We all know we should be exercising regularly, but so many of us skip it. Why?
I think for many of us, we have so much other stuff going on, that we don’t make it a priority. I hear so often from my coaching clients that they just don’t have time to exercise. What they’re really saying is that it isn’t a priority.
Why, when we know that it is so important for our health, is it not a priority?
Last blog post we talked about the Circle of Life, an exercise to identify which areas of your life you are finding satisfying, and which less so.
If you’ve not yet completed the exercise, take a few minutes to do so now.
How was your satisfaction score for physical activity?
Perhaps
… 10 … love it, I move my body regularly and reap all the benefits for physical and emotional health
… 5 … fit it in when I can, don’t really like exercise (or love it but don’t prioritise it)
… 2 … I dislike exercise and it dislikes me
Feeling alone is a common challenge of relocation.
This interview series aims to shines light on the many ways you can feel more connected, inspired and capable when moving from your comfort zone to somewhere new and unfamiliar.
You may well read about someone who faced similar challenges to your own, and surmounted them. As you can too.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to be featured in this interview series, please contact Kylie here.
Self care is doing things that light you up, that inspire you, that nourish you – your body, mind and spirit.
You. Not the people around you.
You!
Self care is any intentional action toward physical, mental and emotional health.
Nutrition. Movement. Sleep. Relaxation. Play. Creativity. Spirituality. Joy.
It’s here!
The ultimate guide for women wishing to feel connected, inspired and capable when moving from their comfort zone.
UPDATE: BONUSES ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR THIS BOOK RELEASE – TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE NEXT LAUNCH PLEASE SUBSCRIBE HERE.
* access to 7 Things to Consider when Relocating, an online event in November
* invitation to two 30-minute group coaching calls in November
* two additional worksheets
* bonus certificate worth $100 toward one 3-month or 6-month one-on-one coaching program
These launch bonuses will be emailed to the email address you use while purchasing. If you purchase through Amazon, please forward your order form to kylie@healthwellnessrevolution.com, as Amazon does not reveal purchaser information.
Welcome to a new weekly feature here at Health & Wellness Revolution – the sneaky snippet.
Each week I’ll be adding a fun fact to the blog.
Hopefully one that sticks in your mind. Sneaky!
1 January 2014 is nearly here. A chance to start the new year fresh. With high hopes, top ideas and wicked dreams.
Is 2014 the year you’ll fulfil those New Year resolutions?
Or will history repeat itself?
Will you ardently promise yourself that you’ll change jobs? Lose weight? Repair a relationship? Start looking after yourself? Commit to a new hobby or sport?
Will you laugh at yourself when someone recalls you said the same in 2013? And in 2012.
Knowing what we want is an awesome beginning.
Figuring out how to get there is the next step. Nutting out what is in the way, and what you need more of, are others.
Having a motivating accountability buddy can be the key to achieving it.
There’s an acronym that’s really useful in goal setting
SMART
Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
‘I’d like to lose weight’ lacks most of these.
‘I’d like to lose 5kg by June this year’ is getting closer.
Even better if you really want it.
And you know why.
I call this the HEART goal.
‘I will lose 5 kg by June to have energy to play with my kids and enjoy challenging bush walks with my partner’.
Notice the ‘I will ….’.
Not ‘I’m going to try to …..’ – as though you’ve already decided you’re not going to achieve it. Sure, the goal posts may move, and you might need to modify your goals as you go along, if circumstances or priorities change, but start strong.
Remember, you want this. This is YOUR goal. You are going to be better off once you achieve it. Healthier, wealthier, happier, stronger, fitter. This is your life, and it might be good, but hey, could it be even better?
Like to give it a go? How about three goals – by 1 February, 1 April and 1 July?
Mine are:
Share your goals by leaving a reply for the added bonus of accountability – we’ll cheer you on!
Yes, I could be talking cooking, or sex, or cleaning, or eating healthily. And I will do in future articles. But today’s topic is exercise. Is it a love or a chore?
The interesting thing is, however you feel about it, the end result is the same for everyone. Exercise makes you happy. As my 8-year-old daughter puts it, within minutes of refusing to join us, but being cajoled to anyway, ‘I just can’t keep the smile off my face’.
There are a number of reasons for this.
When you exercise at a medium to high level of intensity, your body releases feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine.
Or you might be delighted that you’ve made some time in your day to look after your body.
It could be as simple as being outside, soaking up sunshine, and Vitamin D.
You might also be breathing more deeply, energising your body with fresh air to your cells.
Perhaps the very idea that your body is closer to being fit and active is making you smile.
Even so, whether a love or chore, exercise can still be one of the first things to go when life gets busy. Do you get enough each week?
One of the keys is choosing activities that you love. Think movement, of any kind. Gardening, swimming, yoga, bushwalking, taking the stairs, riding a bike, stretching, gym classes, body weight training, walking the dog, jumping on the trampoline, dancing.
Incorporate it into your life every day. Do 20 squats while you are still in your pyjamas. Park your car 15 minutes walk from your destination. Have your computer remind you to stretch once an hour. Suggest a walk with a friend, rather than coffee and cake. Enrol in a dance class.
Another key to getting enough exercise is making yourself accountable. Commit with a friend. Tell everybody on your facebook page. Stick a chart on the fridge. Gain the support of a health coach.
So, how are you getting your happy endorphins tomorrow?
