Motivation (Steps for Successful Change)

Back in October, when the entire mess with my family started (which I've decided to not disclose for now, just in case, for legal and privacy reasons), I did the worst thing I could to (physically) cope with the stress of it all: nothing. Up until today, I hadn't really had a good workout since October. Yeah, I took a trip and hiked, did a little rock climbing, but nothing really got the good old endorphins flowing. That's why today, even though I really don't enjoy running much at all, I decided I would go on a run. I knew it would suck more then a Dyson, but I really wanted to get out and start my day early with something I know benefits me.

I've preached it high and low here, written about my coping methods and how I'm just neverrrrr stressed for several wellness class assignments, and even lived it: when life gets crazy, do something. Don't fall off the wellness train, because it'll probably run you over and that kind of sucks. Don't sleep in, don't eat garbage, and whatever you do, try to keep your regular routine going.

There's a balance between having too much stress and too little stress. It's called eustress. It's when you have just enough going on to push you to better yourself and work toward your goals, but not so much that you feel impending doom around every corner.
I was definitely not in eustress, but I also wasn't completely distressed. In fact, I think I took that impending doom stress and shut it down so hard that I was totally unstressed. Which isn't good. Having a high-energy job definitely helped me from falling off the face of the earth entirely, but my health habits suffered greatly. Of course the holidays didn't help, either.

Some of you reading this may have started a new exercise plan, changed eating habits, or decided to make some other behavior change for the new year. My biggest advice to you - and this is from someone who considers herself to be in the "habitual" stage of exercise and nutrition - is to find a way to stay motivated. Things will come along in life and get in the way of your goals, but don't let one day stop you. Change is a progression, and failure is a part of that. No one is perfect, so if you happen to be a human being, don't do what I did and get all blah about your routine; start off right where you left off the next day. Find your motivation: does your family need you to be healthy (yes!)? Do you want to feel better? Have more energy?

My motivation is my family, health, and my future career. However, I still need a little extra push, so I signed up for another open water race in April.

As always, find what you love to do and make it work, because you're always more likely to 

 follow through with something you enjoy.

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Proverbs 17:22

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