need motivation

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.

I have been where you are. I still am come to think of it. I don't know what to tell you about motivating yourself but if you find something that works will you let me know?

sure! Lol!! I think its because of daylight saving time! I hate the dark I don't feel like doing anything!

Hey! I understand exactly how you feel. Exercising is a great way to cope with anxiety and depression amongst many other things such as fatigue and stress. However, once you stop, with most things, it is very hard to get started again. This past summer I exercised every day, doing yoga and going to the gym. However, once school started, it was hard for me to find the time and motivation to continue exercising. Time change can definitely affect this too. During the colder, winter season, many people feel a lack of motivation to do things. The light definitely has an impact on us. But don't let that bring you down! Take that feeling of disgust and turn it into your motivation to get back to working out again. It's defiantly easier said than done. Perhaps find someone to exercise with, whether its a friend or family member. When you are with someone, it will be easier to find that motivation that got you starting to work out in the first place. Also, try exercising once you get up in the morning. If you wait around all day to work out, chances are, your not going to work out. Listening to music sometimes helps too. Put on the radio and blast some up beat music (or whatever music puts you in a good mood) and get up and move around. Start exercising in the comfort of your own home. I use a website called exercise.com and they have tons of different routines to get you starting to exercise again. I hope I was of some help! Best of luck!!

Thanks for your ideas and motivation! I have started back up slowly!

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.

I really appreciate the advice and am newly committed! Thanks for the pep talk!