Your 2019 Best Self Checklist: How to Motivate Yourself

Hum Nutrition’s Jessica Bippen, MS, RD, is back with five essential tips on motivating yourself, especially when you are NOT feeling motivated…

The days are shorter. Our to-do lists are longer. There is no denying it’s harder to stay motivated to keep up your exercise routine and stay active — bundling up with fuzzy socks and cozy knit blankets looks far more appealing than heading to the gym. You’re looking for an extra boost of motivation, and I promise you it’s not found at the bottom of your wine glass.

Maintaining a consistent exercise routine is vital to your overall health and wellbeing. Our bodies were meant to move! There are endless benefits to keeping busy, and they go far beyond appearances. Exercise helps boost your mood, increases energy and reduces stress and anxiety. 

But how do you stay motivated even when you know all the benefits, but the last thing you want to do is work out? While there isn’t a magic motivation pill, there are ways to light that fire and keep it blazing. Here are 5 tips for staying motivated this winter so you can welcome the New Year with your best foot forward! Pun 100% intended.

 

Try something new! 

How many times have you found yourself growing bored of the same old thing? A great way to keep yourself motivated is to change up your routine and try something new. Maybe it’s the spin class everyone is talking about, a pilates class, or even a walk at a new park. Scheduling a new exercise will not only help keep things exciting, but it also keeps your exercises efficient since you keep your muscles and aerobic capacity challenged. Plus, you may find something you absolutely love.

Phone a friend.

Seriously! Call a friend and make him/her your accountability buddy. Whether you decide to schedule your workouts together, or you just want tabs kept on you, telling someone your plans and being held to it keeps you on your toes. Plus, if you schedule your movement session with a friend, you’re less likely to bail. Bonus points to the friend that sends motivational texts — she or he is BFF status!

Set a goal.

Keep yourself challenged by setting a personal goal. Start small and keep it laser-focused. Just remember, the best goals are not weight-related — you are so much more than a number on the scale! Get creative. Your goal can focus on the number of times you make it to the gym in one week, how many steps you take per day, a new personal record time for a mile, or how much weight you can squat. Make sure your goals are SMART — Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Timely. For an example of a good goal, go to the gym three days a week for 45 minutes right after work.

Reward yourself.

Gone are the days of rewarding yourself with a cheat meal or day. Using a reward to help keep you motivated works, but be smart about it. Is there a face mask you’ve been dying to try? Maybe it’s treating yourself to a pedicure or lighting a candle and sinking into a hot bath. Whatever it is, write it down. When you reach your goal, treat UP!

Take a rest!

Have you been going all out and never skipping a workout? Cutting back on sleep just to fit in your morning gym time? Give yourself  grace and let your body rest. This doesn’t mean you’re letting yourself go. It’s actually the opposite. It’s a form of self-care — to give your body the rest it needs so you can fully recover. If you’ve been putting in 110%, take a day or two off or do some light walking or stretching. You’ll be surprised how recharged you feel and how motivated you’ll be to get back to your routine and totally crush it!

 

Jessica Bippen, MS, RD, is a HUM Nutrition Beauty Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian. Jessica aids individuals in uncovering beauty from within by prescribing optimal nutrition and supplements. She is the founder of Nourished by Nutrition, and through her wellness website and private practice she works to uncover their forever wellness.

 

+ Stay tuned each Monday in December for more holiday checklist info!

 

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I love this little checklist, especially since it’s so doable! Definitely tackling some of these this season!

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

5 years ago

Very cool!

5 years ago

i am so motivated now, thank you!

5 years ago

What great ideas! Thanks so much for sharing this great checklist. I’ll definitely have to share this with my readers over at Lady Vivra!