A couple of funny (ha ha, not peculiar) comments on my Facebook page recently made me think about how I motivate myself during my physical training sessions if I can’t immediately see the actual physical benefit this tough exercise might have.
You know what it’s like – you have those days where you just don’t feel like it. You feel like you haven’t seen any benefit, so you wonder why you bother. In fact, you’d much rather do something else instead right now, like lounging in front of the TV and cracking open that beer and chips, or just having one more chunk/slab of chocolate (don’t worry, I feel like that sometimes too).
What helps me is focusing on how I will feel when I finish at the gym or my run. I know I will feel energised when I finish that exercise, even if it is only a short (mindful) walk. And if you’re wondering what a mindful walk is, I’ll post about that next week.
Emotional and mental benefits of exercise will make themselves known to you way before the physical ones will. And the more you do it, the better you will feel, and the easier it will be to remember and to imagine how good you are going to feel. So, instead of focusing on weight lost, or inches slimmed, consider focusing on the emotional and mental benefits instead if you’ve got a need for instant gratification.
Dr Sarb Johal - Complete Coach 