We all know that wellness is important and carving out time for exercise can be challenging with our hectic lives. Even with the best of intentions, life and responsibilities can be blocks to our wellness routines. Work commitments, looking after families and the running of our households eat into our time before we realize if we are not strategic in our planning.
I have found a simple solution that works for me which I am happy to share with you – I trick myself into doing daily exercise! Let me explain. A few years ago, I made some changes to my morning routine. Instead of getting up and having my shower straight away, I get up, wash my face, brush my teeth, and get changed into my workout clothes and training shoes. I log into work and check my emails whilst having a cup of tea (fact: you can’t beat that first cup of the day).
Then, even if I have no desire to do exercise I invariably will do so as I am already dressed and ready to go! There may be possibly one or two days a month where this technique does not work and that is usually due to extenuating circumstances outside of my control, however, overwhelmingly the “tricking myself technique” works like a charm.
The other motivator (if I need an extra push) which always helps to encourage me is not to let my teammates down in our monthly netlogx step challenge! When I start walking, I think to myself if I at least do 20 minutes that will be fine. Typically I start looking at my step count and then push myself to carry on for at least 30 minutes or more. So far this year I have been lucky enough to be on the winning step team eight (8) times – it doesn’t harm that I am highly competitive!
I hope this may encourage you to ensure wellness becomes a non-negotiable part of your daily routine – find whatever works to be able to “trick” yourself into exercising!
