Quote:
Originally Posted by baseline
 I had been exercising to help with anxiety and depression. I had been on a several month streak of exercising. It made a huge difference for me physically and mentally. For the last three weeks I had a set back and can't seem to get started again! Why is it so hard when I know it is something I should do? I feel disgusted with myself for letting myself go and can't find the motivation to get moving again.
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Hi baseline !
First off, great job on the long streak of exercise ! That shows determination and proves that you can do it again if you so decide you want to. That is something you can always think back to, to help with motivation and determination when getting back to exercise.
Some ideas to get you motivated again:
- Find a form of exercise you find enjoyable. This could be something like a team sport ... tennis is great !
- A well-defined (and realistic) goal is a great way to get back into exercise. For instance, I want to lose 10 lbs in 3 months. That way, you can start setting concrete milestones and figure out how much you want to exercise. Then, when you step on the scale next week and see progress, that will boost your motivation. Motivation -> progress -> motivation -> progress ... It's harder to get started when you don't know where you want to go
- Listening to music or and audiobook during exercise, esp. the first few days. Sometimes, the first few days of a routine are all about going through the motions and getting your body accustomed to the work it needs to do. To mitigate how boring this can be, spice it up with music or TV or an audiobook.
- Find a workout buddy, if possible. Esp. someone who is motivated or is in a similar state or with similar goals as you. You guys can keep each other going.
If nothing else, just keep in mind that only the first few days or first week will be boring. Just remind yourself "Give it a week. Give it a week.". As your body adapts to the exercise, it will get easier and you will see your results in the mirror and feel fitter. You will be back in the swing of things. This itself will motivate you.