You’ve got an upcoming test and work all week; there’s that meeting that could have easily been settled in an email; you’re almost certain your laundry pile is big enough to have it’s own ZIP code; you barely have time to go to the grocery store when you’re down to the last slice of bread; you’ve got to schedule time out of your day to ridicule yourself for volunteering to bring brownies to the bake sale; and it’s likely your parents haven’t heard from you in so long that they’ve organized a search party.
Every season of life presents its own challenges. It seems the older we get, the more hectic our lives become and there’s little to no time to do the things we want. One thing is particular that tends to take a back seat is fitness.
We place so much importance on everything else on our “To Do” lists that it doesn’t seem possible to take an hour out of our days to workout. However, health is so important that it’s insane we neglect it so much for things other people tell us are important to get done. So, remember: it’s okay to be selfish and take care of yourself a little.
Here are some ways to motivate you and make your health a priority again.
Lay out your workout clothes the night before and put them on first thing in the morning. Even if you don’t workout immediately after you wake you, having those clothes on will serve as a reminder throughout the day to hit the gym at some point. Having new fitness clothes you’re excited to wear also helps more than you think, so treat yourself to a new outfit when you can.
Sign up for a class. I promise you will be twice as likely to actually workout when you’ve invested money in it. It doesn’t even have to be much.
Some gym memberships are just $10 a month with free training.
Think if it this way: if you take just a couple classes a week, then that fee will pay itself off in full and then some.
Workout with a friend. Having someone to keep you accountable is a great way to make sure you’re on track, especially when it’s a friend that cares about you and your well being.
It also helps to have a shared goal with someone that you can both work toward.
Try working out consistently for two weeks. The more you workout, the more you enjoy it because it reduces stress and anxiety by giving you a chance to escape from the world and focus on yourself.
Give it a couple weeks and you’ll begin to look forward to your gym sessions. You may even find working out becomes your ideal study break or pick-me-up after a long day.
Track your progress. You can track your success by measuring your waist and arms or take before pictures every week.
The more progress you see, the more likely you are to put in even more work for continued results. The feeling is unbeatable and gives you immeasurable confidence and motivation to keep going.
Once fitness becomes a part of your routine, it won’t phase you or seem like a chore. You wont have to check it off your list because it’s something you’ll do without much thought. It’s just as much a mental challenge as it is physically, making the rewards all the more satisfying.
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