Many of you have seen me limping around on my swollen knee the last week. So sad. Note to self – while it is great to take in the gorgeous views when running the trails in Marin, it is also important to look where you are going so you don’t trip on a rock! Jeez. Thankfully nothing is torn (phew!) and in a few days I will be back to my clutsy self.
This past week got me thinking about how easy it is to fall into the mindset of “Just get through this knee thing and then when you are back 100%, you can get back on track with your diet and exercise plan…” So many of us fall into that trick – “Things are really stressful right now with [BLANK] – once I get through this I will get back to the gym, or start cooking my meals, or go to bed earlier, or drink less alcohol or….
For the past week I have been doing my best to stay consistent and keep up my routine. Yes I am bored doing my rehab exercises, am dying to get outside for a run and I have the easiest excuse to veg and feel bad for myself, but it isn’t going to help me…and my clients would really not appreciate it all!
The best thing you can do no matter what is stressing you is find a routine and stay consistent. Nutrition, exercise and stress management are key to a healthy lifestyle. Keep up the patterns that work for you so you stay on track rather than constantly having to get off and back on the wagon. It is exhausting breaking habits and then having to start them all over again….just stick with it. Just keep it up!
How to pick up a good habit?
- Start Moving. Just do anything. Even 5-10 minutes is very valuable. Figure out the time of day that is best with your life and lifestyle and commit. Do it.
- Get your Nutrition Plans A, B and C. Life happens and may prevent you from cooking all your own food or making it to the market or eating exactly how you want. Always have options so you never get too far off track. If you cannot make your own lunch, know where you can pick something up that is balanced. If you are eating out, choose a place that works with your nutrition plan or take extra time with the menu so you make a smart choice.
- Think a day in advance. So many of us get frustrated at 4pm in the afternoon because the day is almost over and things are not falling into place. Was it just a fluke? Or did you not plan in advance? Look at your schedule and get a strategy for how you are going to make each day a success.
- Be nice to yourself. Every day isn’t going to be perfect and WE CANNOT DO IT ALL. We just cant. But, if you get a plan in place, stay consistent and make it your routine, things do get easier. You feel better and are likely healthier.
Enjoy the view, watch out for rocks along the way and just keep going!!!!