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Self-Care Tips Building Motivation for Regular Exercise
Most people know the value of regular exercise and doctors are increasingly recommending it for their patients. Nevertheless, the majority of Americans are still not getting it done.
Only 46 percent of U.S. adults get the minimum recommended amount of physical activity. The conveniences of modern American life seem to encourage inactivity. However, there are ways to integrate exercise into your daily routine and make it more enjoyable, convenient, and likely that you will maintain it. Those who have exercised regularly over many years use a combination of the flowing approaches to keep their fitness program going.
Get past the willpower myth. People who maintain a regular exercise program are not forcing themselves to do something unpleasant. They are finding ways to something done that they have decided is worth doing for them and clarified their personal values and goals related to exercise and fitness.
Write down why regular exercise is important to you and in what ways you expect it to enhance your life. Consider the connection between the pursuit of your personal wellness and other primary values you hold. These may include community, family, parenting, work, personal development, autonomy, and independence. Also, write down some specific, realistic goals. What do you want to be able to do and by when? It is easier to stay motivated and overcome obstacles if you have a clear vision of your goals. Without this clarity, long-term success is unlikely.
Plan and prepare. Look at your weekly and monthly schedule to anticipate challenges and refinements. If vacations, holidays, work demands, or seasonal changes are coming up, plan in advance to adapt and maintain your program.
Be flexible. Don’t be trapped by perfectionism. The best plan can fail when circumstances change unexpectedly. Even brief, simple physical activity is better than nothing.
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