%20(1)_pdf.png)
Part two of two
During times as difficult as these, it’s hard to keep to an exercise routine. Most people prefer to stay home or do outdoor activities to stop the spread of COVID 19. If sticking to an exercise routine was challenging in the past, now it can be extra difficult unless you buy in to doing so.
I once read, “If you don’t take time in your life for exercise and health, then you have to take time later for illness. The choice is yours”. Living a healthy lifestyle will make your days brighter, lighter, and full of energy. I am referring, of course, to a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise, a balance diet, and time to relax and stretch—what I like to call “Me time”!
If losing a couple of pounds is your goal, it’ll be harder to do when done alone. Some people find it easy to shed those pounds, but they come back sooner rather than later! My experience has been that it’s a change in lifestyle that gets you there. That’s why it’s important to understand that there is no magic spell to help loose a couple of pounds forever. Another thing to consider is metabolism and hormones…read more about that in the blog entry from October 2, 2020.
Age is also a key factor to consider because there is a dramatic decrease in calorie burning and a decline in metabolic rate and energy expenditure.
The first step to establishing goals is to be realistic and open. For example, my goal in 2018 was to lose seven pounds and tone my body. After one year of working out I was still at the same weight. Then I realize that I needed to evaluate my diet because I was not eating enough food (calories) to maintain my body’s caloric expenditure.
In this month’s issue of ACE Magazine, Daniel J. Green wrote an article entitled Survive or Thrive? 5 Positive Coping Strategies for a Challenging Time. These are important strategies to consider while developing SMART Goals as follows:
Focus on your values. If living a healthy life is important to you, be realistic about it considering your values. Revisit your values and focus on your internal dialog instead of everything that’s happening in the world. By aligning your commitment with your values, the focus can be on what’s important to you.
Set reasonable Goals that are in tune with your values. It’s understandable that your values may shift with the current situation—some feel anxious and worrisome. This is the time to prioritize your health and work on the areas that need attention. Work with what you have and consider current limitations and changes to daily routines.
Be Kind to yourself; understand that your goals do not define you. By doing so, you’ll stay focused even if you’re not able to continue with the plan due to external factors such as availability.
Focus on Gratitude. Living in a state of gratitude in trying times can keep us mindful. Sometimes we are our worst critic and we constantly berate ourselves with judgmental thoughts.
Reach out and Connect. Talking with someone about your feelings will help you feel better and relieve any built-up stress.
Let’s use this time for our benefit! Don’t be a spectator in your life; take the starring role! Start by visualizing yourself completing your goal(s). Keep at it and you’ll see yourself finishing strong!
We’ve put together a SMART Form to help you get started, just send us an email and we’ll send it to you. If you need guidance filling it out, we’re happy to help with that too, just let us know!
Namaste,
Millie
Comments