A running and/or walking program can be taxing physically, especially when pushing yourself to new distances or a faster pace. The physical discomfort can be remedied by things like icing aches and pains, stretching, or perhaps seeing some sort of specialist like a chiropractor. But what can we do when we feel mentally tired and drained? In other words, how can we get ourselves moving when we just don’t feel like it? Here are some tips:
1. Each day, make sure that your workout gear is ready to go, that way if you are in a pinch for time, you won’t spend valuable minutes searching around for your gear. Maybe keep your running shoes in a visible place, so you are reminded to get out there.
2. The hardest part of getting moving is simply getting out the door. Since your gear and clothes are ready to go already, even if your plan has a longer distance, tell yourself that you will at least do a mile. In your mind, you know you can handle that and you won’t focus what you might feel like after a longer run. Once you get going, it is likely that you can do a little more than you thought you could.
3. Follow a plan. When you have goals and you have them written out, you are more likely to stick to them.
4. Be flexible. This can be interpreted in a few ways. If you usually do a morning run, and just can’t get out of bed that day, have a backup plan and run after work. It could also mean, watching the weather report for the week. If you have a long run scheduled on Saturday, but it looks like rain, switch it around so you get that in. Even though in #3 I said to have a plan, don’t be so inflexible that it becomes more of a chore than an enjoyable experience.
5. If you run after work, but often feel drained after the day, eat an energy rich, nutritious snack at the end of the work day so you have the fuel to get through your workout.
6. Call a friend, running or walking with a buddy can keep you accountable and get your mind off the workout itself and into some friendly conversation.
7. Listen to some music during your run or walk. Music helps relax you and takes your mind off of the task.
8. Find a new route. By mixing it up in where you run, each run will feel a little different and refreshing.
9. Since exercise is a great way to beat stress, think of the workout as a stress reliever instead of workout, the change in mindset may just be enough. Sitting there thinking about how stressed you are, is only going to make you more stressed!
Some days you may feel like you just don’t have it in you and that is ok, but don’t let 1 day turn into a string of 3 days or longer. And just remember that you may regret skipping a workout, but it is unlikely that you will ever regret getting out there for a run or walk. No excuses, no regrets!
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