I’m often asked where I find the time to prepare my meals and to workout consistently…and the simple answer is I make the time. My physical and mental health are a priority.
What are the biggest challenges you face with respect to your health and wellness goals?
Prioritizing wellness is easier said than done, so here are some methods that have worked for me.
1. Minimize distractions: I’m not a morning person, but I’ve had to make myself become one (it’s a continuous struggle) because afternoons are so much more unpredictable when it comes to working out. Mornings are much more within my control.
2. You cannot rely on motivation. Motivation is an emotion. It is fleeting. One day you feel like working out. One day you don’t. Every Sunday I plan which days/times work best for my schedule that given week and decide that I will work out at the allotted times. For instance, if I’m working out Monday at 6:30 a.m, when 6:30 a.m. comes, that’s what I need to do, whether I feel like it or not. (The book Atomic Habits explains this method very effectively.)
3. Find a workout that you like. We don’t all have to run or go the gym. You can walk, you can play a sport, you can dance! It’s easier to commit if you at least derive a modicum of enjoyment from your workout.
4. If weight loss is your aim, you should track what you eat. I’ve learnt the hard way that the key is not eating “healthy” per se, but how much you eat. While there are other factors such as hormones that affect your ability to lose weight, it is still beneficial to consume less calories than you burn. Tracking calories is no fun and it is not sustainable, but I’ve found it helpful to do it for short periods to at least have an estimate on how much it is that I eat. You’ll be surprised! I’ve also found wearing a fitness tracker to be a game changer.
5. Victory loves preparation. As unexciting as meal prep is, it is essential if you’d like to eat well on a busy schedule.
Hope these help!