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Healthy Habits - please help

Sisi

Veteran

Healthy Habits posts always make me think of how incredibly lazy I have become lately. Until a couple of years ago I could not live without exercise and I exercised regularly. Then due to health problems I quit. Now things are better and my osteopath goes on recommending at least a short walk every day, but I cannot get myself to do so. Has something like this ever happened to you? How is it possible that something that I liked so much now feels tiresome and boring?

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28 replies

Latest reply was from Sisi

Anonymous

Sisi - I have definitely been struggling with consistency. Here is the pep talk I'm giving myself this morning , that will perhaps help you.

Do the next right thing.

It takes away the grandiose goals to the manageable. That's my plan for today.

On a practical level for you, I'd say you may be bored and need something new or different to jump start yourself. Plus, I think inaction begets inaction. Action begets action.

Meredith

Veteran

Sisi, I completely understand! I spent years running high mileage until my doctor told me to take it easy. I could have walked, done yoga, or any number of low impact activities. Instead a did an easy run here and there, but more often than not did not exercise. Call it boredom or lack of commitment, whatever it was it lasted over 5 years. I think it's pretty normal to fall out of love or interest in something that was once enjoyable. You're not lazy, you're just doing other things right now. Add more exercise if that will make you happy or improve your health, but otherwise I don't think you should feel bad about it!

cindysmith

Veteran

I'm there. COPD makes it hard for me to exercise a lot of days. My life is active enough that I haven't turned into a complete lump on the couch yet; homesteading is like that, with something always requiring attention from a human.

However, I have been interested in learning how to shoot a bow and arrow for a couple of years now. I actually started, then we got busy moving and trying to get settled in. Now, I'm trying to find both motivation and methods to build my upper body strength so that I can advance beyond a kid's set.

I'm having trouble with it, I can't lie. While I've always enjoyed being physically active, lately it just seems that I stay sick and tired of struggling to breathe, and it's taking a toll on me.

Delurked is onto something. An object at rest tends to stay at rest and all that inertia and momentum stuff from science class. I'm probably going to have to treat the archery and strength building the same way I treat my alcoholism: by finding someone to hold me accountable, like my a.a. sponsor does; by setting hard goals like 2 a.a. meetings a week minimum; and maybe even some sort of journal to note progress and such (how I hated writing assignments in early sobriety, and yet they always WORKED to achieve whatever my sponsor was aiming for LOL)

Perhaps we could set some small goals. That whole thing about inertia and momentum works for objects in motion too; perhaps once we actually get up and get moving, we'll just keep rolling?

Mine will have to be things like weight training and yoga--things that aren't considered cardio. Because cardio sucks with a lung condition. Perhaps that is my small goal. Perhaps I need to actually break out that yoga mat under my bed and try some of the things I've looked at on the internet.

Will you set a small goal for yourself, and hold me accountable for mine?

carter

Veteran

I think there's a reason Nike's "Just do it" slogan struck such a chord:-). It's true though. Sometimes you just have to do it and keep doing it until you find the joy in it again.

The easiest way for me to form a habit is to attach the activity to something else that already is a habit. For instance, I make the bed every morning right before I walk the dog. The dog gets walked everyday, so the bed gets made everyday:-)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's easier to walk WITH someone. Like a doggie, friend or spouse. Even try to join a walking group. Listen to a pod cast, maybe.

Set a manageable goal.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think Carter is right - you have to create a habit again.

Walking/hiking is my favorite form of exercise but it's the weight training that seems to give me the best results - though I have to really push myself to do it (keeps back pain from being an issue, keeps my knees strong, etc. - but I know everyone is different). I try to workout with weights M-W-F at a specific time so it's a habit.

JAileen

Veteran

I remember reading Oprah saying she would do something and then get bored and then do something else, etc., without forcing herself to keep doing something she didn't want to do. It seems like she had lots of fun things at her disposal. I don't remember exactly, but a selection like fencing, rollerblading, pingpong (I'm making these up - these would be fun for me). Maybe that's what you could do.

Diana

Veteran

Something that worked for me when I was first trying to get back into the habit of regular exercise was to have a book that I only read while I was working out (on the elliptical). Once the book got really interesting, I found myself looking forward to working out so I could read it, plus I would extend my elliptical time so I could finish a chapter or whatever. It could also be a TV show or podcast or whatever if you find it difficult to read while working out.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I was going to suggest what Angie said--walk with a friend or a critter. It makes it more enjoyable, and the time passes quickly.

Like Diana, I used to have gym books. I also used to make elliptical/treadmill walking time my designated TV time. And, when I used to swim, I would tell myself that I was free to leave the pool after two lengths, knowing that the hardest part is just arriving there. Maybe tell yourself that know matter what, you will walk to the end of your block (assuming it's a short distance), and then after that, you're free to continue or return home.

rachylou

Veteran

A pup definitely makes you get out. Still, it can get boring for me sniffing that same weed next to the bus stop! Lol. I find having a destination helpful. Like a walk to the shops just to see what's happening.

RobinF

Veteran

Yep, it's so much easier to get OUT of good habits than to get INTO good habits! I've been in a small group weight training class for about 9 months and there are many times when I would have skipped if my group were not there relying on me to show up. And now I am starting to feel the improvements and that is also great incentive.

I also second the book idea. I walk on the treadmill a few days a week which is so boring but now I listen to audio books while doing it (right now "Girl on a Train") and the suspense keeps me returning.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I'm feeling this way, exactly. I used to be a beast for exercise. I loved it--the more hard-core the better. Then I gained weight and became inactive. Now I'm losing the weight and waiting for the desire to become active to kick-in again. But it's not happening this time. I find that I sorta want to work out, but not enough to actually DO it. It's curious, to me, and worrisome.

I like delurked's "do the next right thing" comment. That's do-able and, actually, that's how I get through a lot of life.

I also find that it's helpful to append exercise to a daily routine instead of letting it sit by itself as just another item in the to-do list--then I get resentful about it. For example, I just added a short yoga flow routine to my day, but timing (changing into yoga clothes and back) was an issue and I still had to figure out when to insert the yoga into my day. It tended to get passed-over for more pressing tasks. Then I realized that I should just append it to the morning or evening while I am in my jammies--voilà, it becomes a natural part of the morning/evening routine. I'm only on day #4 or 5, but YEA!, I'm on day #4 or 5 already! Maybe you'll find a natural-seeming way to add a bit of exercise to your day and it will quickly become habit.

SW Ann

Veteran

Let me explain it this way...."a body at rest tends to remain at rest, while a body in motion remains in motion" ...or something like that. Inertia has to be overcome by your mind, not your body....Once the habit of daily activity is broken for awhile, only the mind will get you back to it.
I find that deciding to walk, and giving myself a VERY REASONABLE goal, like 5 minutes out; turn around and come back home--and achieving that, and then adding to it every few days--is the way I can get back into "motion".....
Good luck.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm also trying to get back into the exercise habbit. I used to swim 1/2 mile three times a week. Last week I swam fir the first time in ages and,I only went 5 laps. Then I got sick and I'm waiting to be well enough to swim again. It's difficult to get back into the habit, so be gentle with yourself while working toward your goal.

Echo

Veteran

I think you need to give yourself a reason to want to walk/exercise again. Either having a friend to walk with (who you don't want to disappoint or stand up) or listening to a podcast or radio program you are interested in. While biking in the summer (VERY rural area), there was someone who always had a horse tied to a post in the ditch, but that was way out on my longest path. Because I wanted to see if the horse was there, I biked out there almost every day, and I would carry an apple or something like that with me to toss as I went by. It was a silly reason, perhaps, but it kept me going the long way. You just need to find something rewarding about the new routine to keep going long enough that it becomes habit.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Smiling because the extraverts here say walk with someone...meanwhile, I am thinking how much I love my solitary walks, which keep me sane because I am blessedly alone!

Each to her own.

But I have to admit that I do find it helpful and also fun to go to an exercise class twice a week. I've signed up, I've paid, and so unless I'm travelling, I go. This in turn helps get me exercising on my own at other times of the week.

I am with Delurked in thinking it can help simply to say, do the next right thing, and action begets action. Starting is the hardest part. When I am loathe to do something, I sometimes tell myself I only have to do it for 15 minutes. Usually once I get started I will persist for longer.

Perhaps it will help if you set a small and manageable goal, i.e. I will walk for 15 minutes on Monday, Wed. Friday -- or get one of those tracking devices and aim for x number of steps.

You might like to go with a friend, as others have said -- or you might enjoy listening to a book or music as you walk -- thereby doing two things at once. (Oh-- just read the other comments and see that others have also suggested this.)

Sisi

Veteran

Thanks a lot to the all of you! You have given me a lot of good ideas. I will get back to you in the next days. Thanks again and have a nice day!

xxx

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

What wonderful ideas! I've been walking everyday for years now. There was a time in 2015 I had a foot injury wherein I had to get off my foot for sometime. I did that and also cut back seriously on how much I walked.

It was tough getting back into the groove. But like Nike says 'Just do it'. I wore my fitness tracker, plugged in my earphones to play my fav songs, and got on with it. I *did not* push myself. It started with 2 rounds of the block, then 30 mins, then 45 mins and then 60mins. On days I didn't have enough motivation,I would make that 'call mom' time and tell myself that I'll keep walking as long as I'm talking on the phone. And I was surprised to notice that my calls would last 45 mins! I still do it sometimes.....All this happened organically. Like the others say - the toughest part is to START.

So just start. If you walk for 10 mins, it's better than walking for 0 mins, right? Anything is a progress. So try again. And if you don't like it or start enjoying it, try something else! There are so many wonderful forms of exercise.....find one that gels with you *right now*. If it's not walking, it could be cycling, swimming, yoga, Pilates or even a dance class! But do listen to your body. The only push you need is to begin.....rest will come back to you.

Sisi

Veteran

Update.

Dear Fabbers, first of all a heartfelt thank you for all your precious suggestions! I appreciated them all more than I can say.

At the end of it all I decided to join a yoga class. I thought to set aside the morning walk/run for the moment. It is Winter - cold, dark, gloomy. I have no energy in this period of the year. I am at the beginning of my yoga practice (had 2 lessons until now) but I would say that I like it and I see that it is good for my non-correct breathing habits and for my stiff muscles. Will keep you updated!

Cynthia, at this point I think we could join the Healthy Habits thread and keep each other accountable with our small goals!

Helen11

Veteran

well done, Sisi! I went to yoga years ago, and really enjoyed it.
I look forward to hearing about your progress.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Have to say I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one here who struggles with this.

But yes, getting started is the challenging part for me. Luckily I have a husband who drags me out sometimes. Sometimes I thank him for walking me. lol.

Forming a habit really helps. It is much easier to be here on YLF than out in the cold.

Sisi

Veteran

Thank you Helen11 for the encouragement.

Thank you Barbara Diane. You have a precious husband!

Runcarla

Veteran

Never let 3 days go between workouts
Workout 3 times per week
Never skip a Monday

Whatever your activity is, I thought the above 'rules' were pretty reasonable.

Sisi

Veteran

Thank you Runcarla ! I will try to follow those rules.

Anonymous

I cannot live without exercise. I find that if you make it a habit, it will stick. And in order to make it stick, you have to decide what it will be that will motivate you. For me, it is not only how great I feel or how well I sleep afterwards, but how great I look. My muscles are toned, and clothes look great on me. I am 60 and in better shape than most of my friends.

If you ever have a chance read the book : The Power of Habit : Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

Sisi

Veteran

Thanks Danusia for your suggestions!

Kate

Veteran

Put key in door, turn it, walk outside. That's what I told myself to get back into exercising. Once I got onto the stoop, I could go on. Sounds stupid simple, but it worked for me. And to this day, I still use it when the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Key in the door, turn....

Good luck!

Sisi

Veteran

Thank you Kate!