I know there is this word that lingers in your mind, and gets stuck in your mouth. The thought of it makes you tired, hungry, or possibly feel like you need a bathroom break. It strikes some as a challenge, others as a hurdle. To a few, an obsession. What is this thing that strikes many is such different ways. It is exercise. It is amazing for what it is, but let’s face it, no one absolutely loves to exercise. There may be a love of the results, a love and addiction to how it makes you feel, but the actual act can send many to feelings of negativity, discouragement, and failure. In my case, even a nap or watching a mindless show on Bravo seems more appealing. In all honesty, sometimes those types of things do win. But for the most part, exercise in some way, shape, or form is a part of my normal routine. I am going to tell you, it is how I approach exercise that is the key.
Mental preparation. I think the best thing to do is…just DO and leave the thinking for afterwards. Once I put my youngest down for a nap, I change into my workout clothes before I can even talk myself out of it. If I based it on how I felt in that moment, the workout would probably never happen. I have a million other things to do, but I have come to see this part of my day as one of the most important. I tell my girls, this is how mommy takes care of herself, so that I can better take care of them. When I am done, I LIVE in that moment. It is a moment when I feel such clarity. Such strength. Such happiness. Focus on those feelings, and tomorrow you may want more.
Incorporate moving your body into your “normal” routine. I think this is one area I am the most successful at in terms of living a healthy lifestyle. I always find time, no matter what. It isn’t…I don’t have time today, it is…when is it happening today? Don’t leave it as something that can be easily disregarded, but something that can be checked off your “will do” list for the day. I am definitely not a morning person. I wish I was, but it will never be me. So I have discovered how to make living like this realistic and practical. If I didn’t find time earlier, sometimes it happens at 10pm. It is a part of my day that I do not push aside. I always make it work.
Make it a part of your life, and make it yours. No one can tell you what is going to work for you and your body. To find happiness in this area of life, I suggest trying many things. Identify what are your “likes” and “dislikes” are relating to moving your body. For instance, hiking and trail running have become such a love of mine, and it took me 28 years to discover. I find when I am on a trail, soaking in the air, the sunshine, and nature, time passes, and suddenly I have moved my body for hours. I don’t even think about the fact that I am working out. It is my happy place. I encourage you to find something like that too. Take away the monotony and struggles, and just focus on how you can take care of your mind, heart, and body, while hopefully sweating a little…
Overcoming hurdles. Let’s face it. Life is full of them. I can’t preach anything on this subject, because these are so vast, and so personal. One persons battles in life can never be understood by another. I won’t even try to pass on generic sentiments and words of encouragement. I can say this…exercise has become my therapy and my release. I have become addicted and obsessed to the “high” it gives me. One important and influential observation I have made after years of interactions with people hiking, biking, and running on the trails, is that they are the most friendly and appear the most happy. In fact, some will even stop to chat and only provide words of encouragement and positivity. I wish these types of thing happened everywhere! It is because they are out there, taking care of their whole selves. They took time to focus on moving their body, and as a result are constantly getting bombarded by the positive feelings of working out. When you keep feeling that rush, it will transfer into your life, and you won’t want it to stop. Exercise is a drug…and I encourage you to get addicted.
Strong mind. Strong heart. Strong body.
Val