How many times have we made promises to ourselves that we will wake up that extra hour early to go for a run. Whom amongst us has not hit snooze one time too many, sleeping through our best intentions to exercise. Admittedly, not all of us are morning people. Not all of us are into exercise. But something in the way you feel lately, or a diagnosis that the doctor dished our recently, tells you that you cannot put exercise off any longer.
Well, in that case, what you need to do, is to hone your willpower. Once you get in the habit of exercising, it’s actually a lot easier. But for now, because we are in the habit of putting off, or procrastinating, or hitting the snooze button, we just need to work on our willpower first.
Here are 5 Ways for strengthening your willpower to exercise.
1. Get enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation can turn us into monsters. We become susceptible to temptations such as binge eating, hanging out on the internet for way to long, pottering around getting nothing done. Self-control takes a ton of brainpower, and when we are tired, our bodies don’t tend todeliver enough glucose to our brain for it to get the willpower engine going. Get at least 6 – 7 hours sleep and you will be like David, ready to face Goliath and tell him to Buzz Off! , when his voice tells you to turn over and go back to sleep.
2. Pray or Meditate 10 Minutes a Day
For those who pray, pray. For those who don’t, meditate. Sit up straight, close your eyes and focus your attention on your breathing. Go through the positive experiences you have had, in your fitness routine, and visualize yourself achieving your fitness goals. When your mind wanders, as it will, you’ll be building willpower when you simply notice that your mind has wandered and you bring your attention back to your breathing. This will help you build willpower in the long run, and help your self- control.
3.Lay off the heavy boozing
Alcohol lowers your blood glucose, which a series of studies shows can dramatically weaken your willpower. Alcohol also causes dehydration and will impair your ability to exercise optimally the next day. If you feel bad when exercising, chances are you might not want to go back to it. Most people agree that just one glass of red wine is fine but if you are the sort who cannot stop at one, then don’t even go there.
4. Have a Contingency Plan
If you cannot wake up to the alarm clock, set another in the guest room which will force you to walk 25 steps to, to turn off. If you cannot make it to the gym in the evenings, get a friend to come pick you up. And what happens if you still fail to exercise? Well, forgive yourself and move on. You are only human, and you can try again!
5. Hang on to the Finish Line
It’s easy to say that I am exercising to be a good role model to my family and friends. But seriously, I’m actually exercising just so I can fit into my size 6 jeans! If fitting into your jeans is the reason, HANG ON to that with all your might and remind yourself that exercise is just a means to an end! You must look hot in those jeans – the less moralistic reason is easier to achieve in the long run. Be true to yourself and keep in mind what you will lose if you give in to temptation. Size 6 jeans out the window!
What are the ways in which you deal with a drop in will power ? How do you overcome the feeling of not wanting to exercise?
love the 5th point!
LOL me too! Works for me.. I’m pretty vain! haha