Getting into a program of regular exercise is a wonderful way to build structure into your day while making a healthier choice for your life. It can also be a terrific way to socialize, to grow more comfortable in your own strength, and to help you manage stress.
To make your exercise program easier, build it as a habitual part of your day. When you get up, keep your workout clothes and shoes near your bed. Fill your water bottle before you go to bed and put it in the refrigerator so you have cool water to sip as you workout.
Avoid the Punishment Mindset
If you’re feeling out of shape, overweight or just inactive, it can be easy to view exercise as a punishment. If you don’t feel you deserve good health, the punishment mindset may work for a few weeks, but ultimately it will fall apart. Beating yourself up is a lousy way to try to get in better shape.
Instead, strive to think of exercise as a form of self-care. Load a great audiobook or music you love into your phone and go for a walk. Sniff the fresh air, enjoy the sun on your face, and stretch your legs to indulge your senses while you strengthen your body and lift your spirit. Finish each exercise session with some healthy stretches, a piece of fruit and some cold water. Then enjoy a warm shower with soaps and lotions that you love. Detox can take a lot of time; do what you need after you exercise to feel clean and refreshed.
Spiritual Benefits
A good exercise program will be tailored to what you enjoy and allow you the chance to grow in strength as you elevate your heart rate and your mood. Carefully monitor your thoughts as you work your way through your exercise program. If engaging in any one activity brings up negative thoughts and feelings or an unkind feeling about yourself, carefully think back to when things went south.
Were you hungry? Were you pushing yourself harder than is comfortable? Were you feeling as though you were being observed and judged? You have a right to work out in privacy and safety. If you notice someone watching you, wave and smile. If they choose not to wave back, ignore them and go work out in another park, class, or area of the gym. Tracing back to when the bad thoughts started and correcting the base problem can make the good feeling of a workout last longer.
Maintain Consistency
By creating a sustainable exercise program, you add structure to your day. If you’re working your way through understanding your addictive triggers, having a scheduled walk in the afternoon and a yoga class in the morning can help you focus your mind on the next healthy decision. A gentle yoga class in the morning will make wise breakfast choices a bit more simple. A walk in the afternoon may prevent you from eating an unhealthy snack and increase your hydration, both of which are activities you can be proud of.
In addition to building a healthy schedule, exercise is a terrific way to shed agitative stress. As you detox and come out of an addictive cycle, you may feel edgy and prone to irritation and even anger. Should you find yourself getting irritated in the evening, you can take a quick walk and pay attention to your body. Shake out your hands. Put on some energizing music, or play something soothing from a classical station. Feel how your body works as you soothe yourself and calm down with exercise, then keep that tool in your toolkit for the next time you’re upset.
A regular exercise program can help you to get your mind and body on an even keel. By getting feelings of agitation and frustration under control, you can take power over your life and better manage your reactions to the challenges you face. Even justifiable upsets can be shed with a quick walk or some weight-lifting. If you deserve an apology and get one, you’ll be in a better mindset to receive it. If you don’t get the apology, you can keep moving forward in a healthy pattern. Ready to get started and build a happier life with exercise as one of the tools in your kit. Call us today at 844-639-8371 for a consultation.