Kiddipedia
The past year has been a real emotional rollercoaster. It’s challenged us all and tested our resilience in ways we have never experienced before.
I don’t know about you, but for me personally it’s definitely affected my mental health, my motivation, my energy and my mood. I’ve had some highs and lows but what I’ve learned even more this year is that life is better when we exercise. When we push ourselves physically, we are able to change our mental state of mind and this is so powerful.
After I work out I always feel happier and more energised. I feel less stressed, I feel more optimistic and I see the world from a different perspective. It may only be a temporary lift in my mood and perspective but it does help and when I find myself falling back into a negative mindset, I constantly remind myself “You will feel better after you exercise”.
Motivation and building good habits
I often get asked where I get my constant source of motivation from and the truth is, I don’t always feel motivated. I have days where I can’t be bothered to do anything and want to lay on a sofa eating marmalade on toast and ice cream all day. What I have though is discipline and good habits and on the days that I wake up feeling flat and demotivated I just remin melf of that feeling of clarity and energy I get after exercising and I go and get it done.
Setting short-term goals
One thing I’ve found really helpful is setting myself short-term fitness goals and challenges. December it was to run my fastest 5km race and January it was doing 25 pull ups in one set.
These goals are not body image or weight loss goals. It’s a real measurable thing to work towards each day and as you get closer to it you start to feel so proud and motivated.
So my advice is to shift your goals from being just about weight loss or body image and exercise to feeling good. Do it for your mental health. To feel energised and to get stronger and fitter. Do it because you want to feel less stressed and be more focussed and productive at work. Do it because you want to sleep better and wake up feeling more positive.
Sometimes the last thing you want to do when you feel down is to exercise but the link between exercise and your mental health is real. You can change the way you feel about yourself and the world if you choose to move your body.
And remember exercise doesn’t just mean burpees and sprints. All movement is good so go for a bike ride around the park, walk through the forest with your dog, do some yoga in the garden or try one of my HIIT workouts in your living room.
Joe Wicks is the founder of the world famous The Body Coach. He will be launching his brand-new app to Australia on March 9th https://www.thebodycoach.com/
“Say hello to a real game changer”
