Lately, I’ve realized that people continuously seem to come up with ample excuses as to why they don’t have time for healthy eating or fitness/exercise. Some of the most popular statements I constantly hear are:
“I don’t have time.”
“I don’t have enough willpower.”
“I’m too tired.”
“Exercise is boring.”
The thing regarding all of the above statements, is they are ALL fixable! Yes, you heard me right. Every single one of them can be fixed and altered in only a matter of time. I realize that most of us struggle with the upkeep of our busy lives- assuming there is no time whatsoever to completely and totally change our lifestyle. And, you know what? You’re actually somewhat right. Changing you’re lifestyle (eating habits and incorporating exercise) WILL take time as well as dedication and overflowing motivation. However, I want to take a couple moments and really talk to you about the benefits of deciding to make the change and that it truly is possible!!
I want to take one second and mention this absolutely wonderful video describing the personal gains of exercise and how it changes our body in such a positive way. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo) This video puts things into an entirely new perspective and I haven’t seen anything as interesting and motivating as this video!
1. I Don’t Have Time.
False. You DO have time. You personally choose not to make time. How many hours do you spend watching TV a day? How much time to you spend endlessly surfing through your phone? (Internet, Email, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook) Anyways, you get the idea. We as human beings are so easily distracted and extremely unmotivated. How can we change that? Well first, put down the phone/laptop/iPad (or any other electronic device) and get moving!! You will never regret putting time away to benefit your health. I realize we have such busy schedules, and if you have that one show (or five) that you just can’t seem to give up, start incorporating exercise within your show. For instance, every time a character says or does something specific, do crunches, push-ups, etc. Commercial? Hold a plank. We have time for exercise, we just choose to spend it differently.
2. I don’t have enough willpower.
Making such a drastic change is extremely difficult, but it is completely and utterly possible! First, I would definitely recommend finding an accountability partner, whether it’s your friend, neighbor, spouse, Jesus, co-worker, pet fish…just find someone!! No one can can conquer this by themselves. Remember, it’s you’re entire lifestyle you’re changing. One problem I seem to see when people begin to get motivated for changing their eating or exercise habits is they have a temporary mindset- they begin to rationalize. People think that once they lose a certain number of pounds, fit into that one “specific dress”, or get that “six pack” they’ve been praying for that their fitness stops there, right? Wrong. In order to live in such a way that we continuously obtain our goal is we need to shift our mindset into thinking of a “temporary diet” as a “chosen lifestyle”. Once we come to this understanding, we become aware of our new-found willpower. Therefore, not only will you be obtaining external motivation, but internal motivation as well. Always remember: We>Me.
3. I’m too tired.
Did you know that exercise actually makes us LESS tired? It sparks blood flow to our brain and allows for better mental awareness and cognitive abilities. By creating an exercise routine, you will soon see a difference as to how you don’t become tired/worn out shopping for groceries or any other daily activity. Regular exercise boosts our endurance and strength, as well as provides us with greater capabilities. Therefore, “I’m too tired,” is no longer a valid excuse. Regular exercise will actually PREVENT us from becoming tired or feeling unmotivated throughout the day.
4. Exercise is boring.
This statement is incredibly false it’s actually hilarious. Who said that you have to go run 5 miles to exercise? Who told you that you must run on a treadmill for thirty minutes a day in order to lose weight? Yes, these are exercise options, but for those of you who become bored easily with the same routine, boy oh boy do I have something for you! Nowadays, your local YMCA or Recreational Center not only provide a wonderful workout center, but CLASSES. Yes. Enroll in a class. Just do it. It can be anything from yoga to kickboxing, Zumba to Pilates, cycling to aerobics! Signing up for a class is a fantastic way to incorporate routinely exercise into your life as well as providing an opportunity to find new accountability partners with resembling motives. Also, who doesn’t enjoy kick-starting their day with a wonderful walk in the morning and adding a breath of fresh air? Oh, and you know that housekeeper you hired to do all your vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting? Do it yourself!! ALL of this contributes to the wonderful lifestyle of exercise. Like I said before, becoming active doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon! It just doing the daily things 🙂
Health is wealth. I fully stand by that statement. Exercise provides our body with the feeling of richness, strength, wholeness, and capability. I know it’s difficult for us to continuously feel internally motivated, but constantly think of it as a new lifestyle and a new beginning! I can talk to you all day about how exercise and health benefit the body, but only YOU can decide to make the change. Only YOU are in charge of what you do with your time and what you put in your body. I hope this post inspires you to take the first step in becoming active and living healthy. Remember, it IS possible!!!
thethirstforhealth 