Pulling yourself out of a rut can be difficult, especially when many factors are working against you. It seems like you’ve been suffering for so long. Maybe you’ve even forgotten what happiness and fulfillment really feel like.
It’s important not to give up, and you need to remember that a certain body type or a certain weight isn’t always going to be the most important. You’ve come this far, which means you have plenty of strength inside of you to draw from, and so it makes sense to start thinking of your workouts as your own. You just need to find ways of brightening your life and enjoying yourself again.
1. Move Your Body
You already know that exercise is good for your health, but you might not realize how dramatically it can improve your outlook on life. If you find the idea of exercise overwhelming, start small. Even something like a short walk in the morning or an evening yoga class can improve the way you feel. Not everyone is ready or suited for the gym; you can acknowledge that you might have to start elsewhere to get the workout you need.
If you’re feeling ambitious, some gyms and fitness services offer customized fitness programs. When a trainer knows your physical and emotional history, it will be easier to design a program that will help you meet your goals.
2. See A Nutritionist
Just like personalized fitness regimens can help pull you out of a slump faster, working with a nutritionist can help ensure your diet is meeting all of your body’s needs. What if your poor mood and sluggish energy levels are due to a nutritional deficiency? You might assume that your needs are being met because you eat a varied diet, but unfortunately, many modern foods are somewhat void of nutrition.
If you’d like to see a nutritionist, your first step is visiting your doctor for blood work and a referral to a specialist if anything is out of balance. If you’re feeling extra-motivated and willing to see another professional, consider a personal trainer or someone who will keep you motivated and educated.
3. Be Willing to Smile Again
It might sound strange, but our expressions can influence our emotions just as much as our feelings can shape our expressions. If you’re struggling to have a positive attitude, try forcing yourself to smile. Every time you notice yourself frowning throughout the day, pause, take a deep breath and smile as big as you can, it could just make you happier. It will feel strange and forced at first, but the more you work on it, the more you’ll notice your mood improving.
This practice also provides the opportunity to do some deep emotional work. When forcing yourself to smile, notice what emotions come up. Do you feel unworthy of happiness? Do you feel stupid? Whatever you notice, examine it, acknowledge it and then let it go. Know that you are worthy of happiness, fitness, good health and every other positive aspect of life. Realizing that is the first step toward creating the life of your dreams.