If I told you that I am super energized to work out every day, I would say you should call me a big LIAR!
There is no way we feel motivated to work out every day. Motivation to move our bodies ebbs and flows according to our mood, energy level, and, oh, of course, those multiple distractions that happen throughout the day. Phone calls from the school nurse to pick up a sick child, tired muscles, last-minute meetings, drinks with friends, and so on and on and on. So how do we ensure that working out is part of our lives all the time, even with those bumps? The word consistency first comes to mind, a word that is thrown around a lot, but again, how do we work with the challenges that derail us and create consistency? There are so many distractions that arise every day that keep us from committing.
So, with all of this distraction and interference, how do we overcome a lack of motivation? This problem has made me think long and hard about what tools we can use that help us with challenges that arise …
First, lemon water! Yes, Lemon water every morning as soon as you wake up. If you follow me on Instagram, you are probably sick of me posting my lemon water all the time, as I wake up and before I continue with my day. Well, there is a reason I love it so much! In addition to the obvious great health benefits that lemon water on an empty stomach gives us (rehydration, liver detox, a boost of Vitamin C, gets things moving, great for the skin), the act of drinking it first thing in the morning offers us something else – it is habit forming! Habit forming is the key to being consistent. By waking up and repeating day in and day out this easy, quick routine you are helping your mind and body form a habit. Once you teach both your mind and body how to create a (good) habit you can use that tool in other areas of your life, like creating the habit of working out. It is a mindset of being automatic because it is so ingrained in your DNA that it becomes part of you and your schedule.
The next idea is to schedule your workouts for the week. Schedule your workouts like they are the most important meeting in your day – put it in your calendar with a start and end time. Whatever you do, make sure it is written down, in your calendar, set with a reminder on your phone, before your week begins. Even if things arise that throw off these “workout meetings” the fact that it is in your schedule gives you accountability.
Learn to be flexible, and not only the muscle kind. When something derails your workout see if you can adjust and not just throw in the towel. This could mean that instead of 45 minutes you do 10 minutes as something is always better than nothing. Plan B is always a good plan.
This leads to my next point. When you give up completely, you can feel guilty and have other bad feelings. These feelings can lead to throwing in the towel the next day (and maybe the next one too). By doing a small workout even when things throw off your schedule, you can feel good about yourself and proud that you at least you somewhat stuck to your plan, even if it was not the original one. You made it work no matter what and that feels great!
Finally, try to use your movement to create a happy place, for your mind and body. Exercise is not only a physical release but an emotional one as well; it is a great way to manage stress, anxiety, and even uplift your mood. Teach yourself to realize this by being mindful of how you feel after your workout is done. Take the time to give yourself credit for being there.
No, it’s not always easy but so very few things that are worth it are…. So, grab your spandex and get moving!
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