Dear Kayla,
What do you do when you just don’t have the energy to work out? A few years ago I lost about 40 pounds doing intermittent fasting and walking. Then COVID struck and I lost my job and gradually started gaining the weight back. Without realizing it, I gained it all back. Now I am working from home and trying to lose it again. I have already lost about 10 pounds. My issue is that I struggle with iron deficiency anemia and sometimes it’s hard just getting out of bed, much less working out. How do you force yourself to move?
Carolyn
Dear Carolyn,
Congratulations on getting back on track! Getting yourself to move when you don’t feel like it is a mental game. Let’s talk about how to play it.
You must learn the art of making a deal with yourself. Let’s say you’re laying in bed and you’re having trouble getting out of it. Ask yourself what would get you out of bed this morning. You think a hot cup of coffee would do the trick. Deal. You get out of bed, and pour yourself a cup of coffee. This is a victory. You made yourself do something.
The same idea applies to exercise. If you want to start a walking habit, set a step goal low so that you can easily hit it. Achieving this goal gives you a victory. And you can build on that. Do not despise small beginnings.
I still have days where I lack all motivation. The only thing that works is to negotiate with myself. Do I need to reward myself with a movie today? What about taking a nap? What about a nap and a movie? I give myself whatever it takes to get me moving again.
Sincerely,
Kayla
Originally published June 29, 2023.
Would you like to get intermittent fasting tips, tricks, and weight loss motivation delivered to your inbox? Sign up for my newsletter below. Just type in your email and click subscribe!