With technological advances and conveniences, such as the use of cars, elevators, escalators, and increased screen time, our lives have in many ways become increasingly easier, resulting in inactive lifestyles. Many people seem to have personal reasons or explanations as to why they aren’t adopting an active lifestyle. The top 3 most common barriers are:
- Not enough time
- Lack of energy
- Lack of self-motivation
Overcoming Barriers:
Here are some suggestions on how to overcome those barriers:
Lack of time:
- Monitor your daily activities for one week. Identify at least three 20-30 minute time slots you could use for physical activity (ie: walk, ride your bike, go to your local gym or pool, do yoga, stretch, learn a new sport, etc).
- Schedule your physical activity in your calendar and make it NON-NEGOTIABLE. Organise your work, kids’ schedules, and appointments around your physical activity.
2) & 3) Lack of Energy and Self-Motivation:
Two main causes of lack of energy and self-motivation:
- Inactivity: Physical inactivity contributes to the depletion of two hormones, serotonin, and dopamine, that help naturally regulate your mood and energy! So if you want to increase your energy level, I encourage you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and get moving. I promise you, you will feel so much more energized!
- Your mind: One of the coolest things about being a human is your ability to generate emotional energy with your mind. When you “think” about the goals you want and the things you want to do with your life, you can generate motivation, excitement, and discipline. Make sure that your thoughts about physical activity are creating emotions that will drive your actions to overcome your barriers and create the results you want.
We all know that adopting an active lifestyle is the golden ticket to improving your overall physical and emotional health. Make yourself a priority by creating time for yourself. Self-care isn’t selfish!
Notice what your thoughts are when you think about physical activity. Are they negative, judgemental, or self-loathing? Do they serve you? Be curious about them.
Here are some examples of thoughts you can use that can help create motivation and discipline: “I can do anything”, “There’s no perfect time”, “Everybody starts somewhere”, “One step at a time”, “ “Someday” is today”, “I deserve self-care”.
Have a great day my friends and remember….
Your body can do it. It’s just time to convince your mind 🙂
If you want guidance to get you started, we are here to help. Book with any of our ATs and they will be happy to get you started.
Yours in Health,
Valerie