Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated in your diet or workout routine. Sometimes you just want to eat the chips or sleep in instead of make that green juice or go on a run.
Here is my list of things that inspire me to stay active and healthy:
1. My Dog.
I have a Jack Russell Terrier.
Anyone who has ever had a Jack Russell Terrier knows what that means.
As a breed, they are full of energy. I don’t even think that phrase truly conveys how much energy they have. They’re a bit insane! But, in a great way! As a puppy, my dog Mackenzie would play soccer for hours. Sadly though, with age she has started to slow down.
In fact, now I have to bribe her with treats to play with me.
But, I know it’s important for her to stay active. So, we play baseball with a kid’s toy bat and ball. She also loves to play with balloons (she chases them and then bops them with her nose like a seal!)
2. New Challenges.
Run a marathon. Make it through a spin class.
Maybe you could just buy a new workout DVD to try. I like dance workouts! It’s fun and really gets you moving and it’s nice to not have to leave my house.
If you do the same workout every single day, your body gets used to it and won’t be challenged. Your body needs to be challenged in order to stay fit and healthy.
Also, there’s always Instagram challenges going on for yoga!
In terms of eating, I challenge myself in the kitchen to make meals everyone in my house will enjoy…this is harder than it sounds, hah!
3. My Goals.
Right now, my personal goals all revolve around my upcoming yoga teacher training. It’s a month-long program in Nicaragua. I’m very excited, but so nervous I could cry. I’m so worried I won’t measure up or I won’t be worthy to get my certification, but every day I do something to be stronger so I can be ready.
It doesn’t have to be a big goal, but it’s always good to have something you’re working towards so you have the motivation to get out of bed and get moving.
4. The Way it Makes Me Feel.
When I get out of shape or have spent a week not being very conscious about what I eat, I feel sluggish and cranky. My hips get stiff, my shoulders hurt, and my body in general just feels angry at me. My attitude isn’t much better.
But, when I workout and eat well, I have way more energy and am happier!
I love how strong I feel when I’m working out regularly and I love how I feel when I’m eating well.
Working out and eating well are all parts of my self-care routine.
5. Inspiring Others.
There are days when I don’t exercise. We all have those lazy days where we watch a marathon of our favorite show. Sadly, it can be very easy to let that lazy day turn into a habit. When I don’t feel like working out, I get on Instagram and look at all the awesome accounts I follow and let their activity and health inspire me to roll out my mat, go on a run, or play ball with my dog (she’s getting up there in age and doesn’t tell me she wants to play anymore. Now, it’s up to me to get us off the couch!).
I want to be one of those people that inspires others to get off the couch and take control of the few things that we can take control of! I want to inspire people to juice their veggies and have dance parties in their kitchen on Saturday mornings while they make breakfast. I want to inspire people to take care of themselves and love their bodies. How can I do that, if I don’t do all of those things for myself?
I’m not a guru. I’m not a master of anything, but I don’t know if I believe that masters exist. We are all students. We can all inspire.
I try to inspire myself as well as others by sharing my journey on social media. It’s a kick in the pants when I need it, when I really want to be lazy!
So, share your journey with others. Create a community around what you love!
*Author’s note: Sometimes I do sleep in and eat the chips! Don’t deprive yourself of things you like, just be conscious of how everything makes you feel and you’ll ultimately be guided to making the right choices for your body. Some chips won’t kill you and sleeping in is also a nourishment for the body and spirit. Be kind to yourself and have fun!
Relephant:
10 Ways to Rock Your Morning.
Author: Stacy Porter
Editor: Renée Picard
Image: via the author
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