When it comes to fitness and the goals you’ve set for yourself, it’s easy to get distracted. You spend some time with your friends, take a vacation or just get lazy. Unless you’re surrounded by friends who want to meet you for spin class or grab some green juice instead of a drink at the bar, it can be frustrating to try and stick to your fitness goals 24/7.
I struggle with this more often than you’d think. My thoughts go from, “Yes, I can do this!” to “Well, I guess I don’t look that bad… I can eat this cake.” We’ve all been there. And it’s not that we look bad (I promise, you look great!), it’s about wanting to live an active and healthy lifestyle.
By all means, have that cake occasionally, but don’t give up altogether. Here are four reasons you should keep your active lifestyle going, even when it gets tough:
Health Benefits
This one is obvious. The more you exercise, the better you feel and the less at risk you are for life-threatening diseases. We all want to live as long as we can, and exercising is a great way to make sure you can do just that. Also, constantly feeding your body with natural, unprocessed foods will help you to get up easier in the morning. It’s important to challenge yourself with new foods and recipes, so you don’t get bored of your diet. Remember, abs are made in the kitchen!
Mood Improvements
You know when people say, “You’re only one workout from a good mood”? That’s absolutely true. When you don’t feel like working out, that’s when you need to get yourself up and do it. You’ll feel happier AND more energised afterward – who doesn’t want that? Plus, soon you’ll get addicted to those great little endorphins that get released when you exercise. Runner’s high is real, people. Eating properly and exercising is an easy way to brighten your day and rejuvenate your mind for the next big task you have at hand.
Prove It To Yourself
When you eat poorly or don’t exercise one day because you’re “too tired”, the only person you’re cheating is yourself. You’re the one who will have to deal with the negative feelings and thoughts that come from breaking the rules you’ve set for yourself. An easy way to stay motivated is to make sure your goals are realistic to your lifestyle. You only have time for three workouts a week? Don’t sweat it — that’s much better than none at all. Keep pushing yourself to be better, and do better, because you know you can. Prove the little devil on your shoulder wrong. Tell him, “I CAN do this, and I WILL.” This positive outlook will take you far in life.
To Inspire Others
You may not even realise it, but when you’re living a healthy lifestyle, people notice! When you casually slip, “I’ve been juicing” or, “I love this new class I’ve been taking,” into a conversation, your friends will feel encouraged to try something healthy for themselves. They will feel inspired by you and feel as if they don’t have to start on their active living journey alone. Keeping yourself healthy while also inspiring a few other people to reach their goals is the most rewarding feeling a health junkie could have. It also makes you more aware of the times you want to quit and pushes you to keep going.
What are some tips and tricks you use to stay motivated? How do you push yourself to keep at it? I promise the reward of feeling healthy and happy is way better than that pizza you’re drooling over. Stick with it, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the positive changes in your life.
