It’s been a long while since I last wrote to you. A lot has happened. I’ve been recovering from a serious health challenge for the last 6 months. But my God reigns and I am Healed! All is well. I’m slowly getting back to a exercise routine; especially since the weather is better.
I feel like I’m starting from scratch. I still have over 20 pounds to loose. I must admit this time around it’s been a little harder then I thought it would be. Last summer as I trained for the marathon I was eating healthy and running several times a week. When I got sick everything went out the door. But I realize that any commitment to living a healthier lifestyle begins in the mind. You have to mentally commit and then “tell” your body to cooperate. I’ve been pretty lazy recently. Let’s face it, ice cream takes better then spinach (at least most people think so) and sitting down watching TV is easier then jogging for a couple of miles. But for me, once I make my mind up that I’m going to do something, then I just have to “do it” and not think about it any more.
So this week I started with walking and some simple floor exercises . Next week I’ll work in some visits to the gym.
Let me hear what’s working for you. I can use the encouragement.
I am trying to start a regular workout schedule as well. It seems to be pretty daunting and tiresome. I’ve started walking on my home treadmill three days a week. ( Actually yesterday was my first day and I will walk tomoroow( Wednesday) and Friday. I hope to get in an extra day on Saturday.) I have two children, 6 and 11. Providing care for them, ( particulary the 6 year old) seems to be the excuse, I’ve used since given birth to the 6 year old.
However, I realized I am the most important person on this earth. I don’t take care of myself, I will not be able to provide for my children. Now, I get up on hour earlier than they do and walk. It seems to work well. It is a little easier in the summer than in the fall when daylight comes earlier in the morning.
My hope is that, by the end of summer and the beginning of school, I would have established a routine that I look forward to getting on the treadmill ( or exercising in the morning. My question is how do I say motivated? Any ideas?
Comment by Jackie S. W. — July 8, 2008 @ 4:33 pm |
Hi Jackie,
Congratulations on taking charge of your health and making yourself a priority.
Some ways that I stay motivated include:
1. Find a friend (or group of friends) that have also made the committment to exercise and eat better and work out together. You mentioned that you’d like to establish a routine that includes getting up each morning to walk. If you know that someone is counting on you to walk with them, you are more inclined to keep your word and meet them to walk.
2. Post a picture of yourself when you were at the size you want to return to. When you look at that picture each day, it gives you a “vision” of where you are headed and reminds you that the goal is achievable.
3. Clear your pantry and refrigerator of those foods that are not healthy. If you don’t have the cookies and ice cream around you won’t eat it.
4. Let your family know about your goals. If your kids are like mine, when they see me eating something I shouldn’t be eating or “sleeping in” when I should be exercising, they remind me of my commitment. Most of us want to be a good example to our kids.
5. Make exercise a habit. If you can get yourself to do something consistently for a couple of weeks, it will begin to become a habit. Try not to miss a day, but if you do, just make sure you get back to it at your very next opportunity, so you don’t break the pattern.
How do these suggestions sound to you? I’m sure others may be able to share their tips for staying motivated also.
Lori
Comment by Lori — July 10, 2008 @ 6:16 pm |