Welcome to another Motivation Monday. Do you ever take the time to consider if you are doing too much in pursuit of fitness? Consider this question:
Do you know when to back off of your efforts? When is the last time you took a step back in the name of gentle kindness to yourself?
To some, backing off is a bit too close to quitting. They will take a break and go back to old, unhealthy habits. Our bodies may signal that we need a break due to an injury or an illness, but this does not mean we should go back to ice-cream and sitting on the couch. I like to find ways to reward myself for my hard work that will keep me on my path toward health and wellness. Take some time to be peaceful and meditate on your goals. I find taking long walks as a great way to clear my mind and still be kind and gentle to my body. Consider booking a massage to help with aching muscles. Can’t afford one? Ask your significant other, friend, or even your kids to help. My daughter actually gives a darned good massage and she’s only 7. Take some time to be peaceful and meditate on your goals.
I think we also need to remember to be kind to ourselves emotionally. If we have a setback, we can be so hard on ourselves in our thoughts and self-talk. Thoughts like “I will NEVER…” or “I am the worst…” only perpetuate more negativity and will bring you down. When I get in this mode, I am more apt to seek out comfort food. I’ve been working on positivity as much as possible. One thing I love is seeking out others who are positive. Find a funny or inspirational blog to read. Search for funny and inspirational quotes. Find some good ones and put them where you can see them for those days when you are feeling down on yourself. Here is an inspirational quote for today:
“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” – Anna Quindlin
What are other ways that you take some time to be kind to yourself? I’d love to hear them. Have a great week ahead. May it be happy, healthy and kind.
Unless you allow yourself to rest or back off a little you will experience burn out. Especially if you are doing something creating or your work involved influencing or inspiring others. You can end up doing more hours for less results… I have suffered from this before as a driven person. I always try to find the time to commune with nature. A walk along a river, or to the top of a hill, sunbathing…
Thanks for stopping in Jason. I totally agree that you can get burned out. I certainly have in the past too.
I know in January I was trying a run streak and after a horrible 10 miler I knew it was too much for me and stepped back. It was hard on my ego but good for my body.
Good for you for listening to your body.
My schedule is always packed: working mom, training for a half marathon, bible study table leader, bootcamp, blogging, etc. My husband knows that I need time alone, so I try to take at least two hours once a week where I can go to a coffee shop, read in our bedroom or go to a museum. It helps me recharge and keep up with my busy life.
Great example for taking some time for yourself. Happy mom makes for a happy family.
One thing that I always found important was to allow failure. A bad day when trying to lose weight, a workout that stays below expectations etc., all those can happen. Try your best, but when one day it doesn’t work, it’s ok to say, I’m only human, I make mistakes, but I will keep going.
As you say, expecting to be perfect is the recipe for failure.
The timing of this article is interesting! 5 weeks ago, I wrote and began a very intense, size building ….INTENSE 5 days a week for 4 weeks. i extended it to 5 weks because I was loving it so much. but week 5 was not so fun. Every joint was beginning to ach and I was beginning to have to coach myself through. I knew the signs…time for a shift. So I wrote a new 2 week plan…not full out rest, still hard workouts but still downgraded a bit and a whole new rhythm…today was day 1. I’ll return to the 4 week plan in 2 weeks renwed, restored, still progressing and achieving my goals!
Great job listening to your body Carl.
I have been kind to myself this entire weekend…just enjoying the holiday and kids home from school, even took a break from workouts but spent all our time outdoors 🙂
I took a workout break over the weekend too. Unfortunately our attempt at sledding was cut short with 0-4 degree wind chill.
Great article! I love that you remind us not to be too hard on ourselves: “If we have a setback, we can be so hard on ourselves in our thoughts and self-talk.” – I couldn’t agree more!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by.
Alas, Jenn, I don’t ever hit a point where it would be reasonable for me to wonder if I’m doing too much in pursuit of fitness! But I do have that experience in other areas of my life, and I’ve had to learn a lot about self-compassion. Thanks for sharing this. (And I really like Anna Quindlen.)
Hi Shari. I agree that self care is for all areas and not just related to fitness goals.
Listening to your body is so important. When to take it easy and when to push through to the next level.
I am totally with you on taking the time to back-up when needed. There are times when we can and should push through, challenge ourselves. But there are other times when we really need to regroup both physically and mentally. – Katy
Very well put!
This is something that I seriously struggle with so it’s good to know that I am not the only one. For me it’s a cycle of being almost militant with my workout routines until I burn out and go through a period where I lapse back to my old bad habits, etc..
I was lucky to have an injury last year to pull me out of my almost militant behavior. Now it’s all about balance.
I have to admit, I do tend to pamper myself at least once a week. I feel it is so important mentally and physically! I hire a sitter and go for a good run, get a manicure, or massage- it is wonderful for my well being!
Good for you! I had my first mani-pedi in months and it felt so great!
I Love that quote. Sometimes I go too far with giving myself a break- its hard for me to find the right balance!
I had to take the past 4 days off because my lungs have felt heavy and phlegmy but I don’t have a cough etc. Just some fever and this weird drowning feeling in my chest. Listening to our bodies is very important and i’m trying to not beat myself up over it.
I think a visit to the doctor may be in order for you. Take care of yourself.
I agree. We definitely need to take time to just be still and relax and be kind to ourselves. Life is hectic and taking some time for yourself is sometimes hard to find. I am with you, my 7 year old {when she was 7} could give a great massage, lol. 🙂
Dawn
I have been trying to work very hard on motivational thoughts, I don’t think I reward and recognize the small achievements towards personal goals, and we, as humans, need that recognition from ourselves!
exercising to fatigue can be just as bad as not doing it at all!
Great post!
I totally agree and this also applies with work. If it’s too much stress, better go out and get some fresh air.
Thanks for all the great comments everyone. Great conversation!
I am reading a self-healing book right now and learning so much.
I always feel like if I stop and take a break that I will never get back to it.