Whether we realise it or not, the pressures of society that surround us, can influence the choices we make in every day life.
The thing you need to think about, is how often does this happen and is it holding you back from what you want you really want to achieve?
For example….
Do you ever find you’re offered or convinced to eat cakes, sweets and chocolates in the work place, when you know you’re trying to cut back?
Or do you ever go out for drinks with friends/colleagues and try to lay off the alcohol to save a few calories and ££’s but get hounded when you do?
Or maybe you’ve found you have a solid exercise regime that works really well for you, but are tempted to fit so many social activities in that time is issue and you’re torn with what you should do?
If you’re having trouble holding down an exercise regime or following through with a diet because of social pressures you’re not alone. Many of us struggle fighting temptations, despite our best intentions.
You already know there are many great reasons to exercise; from improving energy, mood, sleep, and health to reducing anxiety, stress, and depression.
Making exercise and good diet a habit takes more than just best intentions; you need the right mindset and a smart approach.
While practical concerns like a busy schedule or fear of missing out, can make exercise more challenging, for most of us, the biggest barriers are mental and come down to decision making.
No matter what is stopping you from moving forward with building better habits in your life, here are some are steps you can take to fit exercise and a healthy diet into your life and make it more fun and instinctive:
1. Ditch the all-or-nothing attitude. You don’t have to spend hours working out or force yourself into monotonous activities, to experience the physical and emotional benefits of exercise. A little exercise is better than nothing. In fact, adding just modest amounts of physical activity to your weekly routine can have a profound effect on your mental and emotional health, even if it’s just two hours a week!
2. Be kind to yourself. Research shows that self-compassion increases the likelihood that you’ll succeed in any given endeavour. So, don’t beat yourself up about your supposed lack of willpower, all that will do is demotivate you. Instead, look at your past mistakes and unhealthy choices as opportunities to learn and grow.
3. Check your expectations. You didn’t get out of shape overnight, and you’re not going to instantly transform your body either. Expecting too much, too soon only leads to frustration. Try not to be discouraged by what you can’t accomplish or how far you have to go to reach your fitness goals. Instead of obsessing over results, focus on consistency. While the improvements in mood and energy levels may happen quickly, the physical payoff will come in time. Take each week as it comes and don’t anticipate more than you know you can manage.
4. Make it fun. If exercise is fun and engaging you are more likely to stick to a routine and build a habit out of it and when you build that habit and have a routine, people in your life will know that’s what you do on that evening of the week. Something simple as making it fun will help you in the long run when it comes down to holding down a routine.
I hope you’ve found this helpful and inspiring!
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