How to get back on track …

Today’s post is for everyone who needs a little reminder that losing track or feeling unmotivated at times is all natural and a part of life. I’ve been getting lots of requests from many of you over the past months if I could share some tips and give you some advice on how to get back on track… So before we are getting into the whole fitness series here on the blog, I finally wanted let your wish be my command and share my knowledge with you that I gained over time. Whenever I have a kind of down period for whatever reason, these are some of my go-to tips I use that always help me to get back to the healthier side of life whenever I lost it.

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First things first…

Don’t stress yourself.

It is totally normal that you lose it sometimes. EVERYONE DOES. You know your patterns and, instead of beating yourself up again, try laughing at yourself. Really, find humor in your daily life. If you find yourself talking bad to yourself, try to listen to your self talk and try to stop it! Just like you would stop your friend if she would talk bad about herself. Tell yourself “I got this” – I’ll take time for myself to reinvent myself. I will manage to be in a better state of mind – physically and mentally! I got this!!! YOU got this!!!

Start small.

If the thought of removing things you enjoy is too depressing, start small!! If the glass of wine or the piece of chocolate/cake is something you can’t quit right away, start small and add in the health wherever its possible for you! Piece of cake for lunch, – but salad for dinner. Glass of wine but 2 glasses of water to it! There you go – smaaaaaall steps in the beginning.

Set goals.

small or big… But set some goals – not in your head WRITE THEM DOWN! I usually use one of my TO-DO list (you can find them here) I honestly have a list for everything! When it comes to getting back in shape or simply getting back to being motivated I usually create myself a list of goals I would like to achieve. It gives you a clear vision again and whenever you reach one of your goals (it can be as simple as; – this week I start doing yoga 2 times) you can check it off your list… Badaboom Badabang – It does wonders and always gives you a feeling of I GOT THIS! I have my life under my control!

Plan it in – make it a date with yourself!

In order to gain a better, healthier lifestyle back you also need to plan in some time just for YOUR needs. Just like you would schedule in a meeting in your calendar – mark your workout, your yoga session or your bicycle ride in your agenda. I’ve seen it many times that people sometimes feel bad about taking time for themselves. No, no, no, no, nooooooooo, it will look a little something like this – “NO, I’m sorry guys – I really need to go I have an appointment; – skating is waiting for me… ” Easy as that!

Move baby move.

You don’t have to make big changes in order to see changes! Move whenever you can – weather if you work out or not, commit to start skipping the elevator and choosing the stairs instead. MOVE baby MOVE! The smallest step you can take but the most effective one to a healthier and better lifestyle.

Healthy meal options

Find 4 or 5 meals + snacks and make them your mindless go – to’s. So whenever you feel like craving ice cream you know you have a healthy, self created version in your fridge. Set yourself up for success and have ingredients for your healthful meals on hand, always!

Order small.

If yo do crave french fries from your favorite fast-food joint? Great! Order a small portion. Ice cream with the kids? Small again! Make small your default – it really makes all the difference! It makes YOU the master of your life and not your cravings.

Tell your friends/family.

Whenever I have a time where I need like extra support, I usually tell my friends & family about it. Whatever goal you desire, make sure to share it with your loved ones, so they can help you to reach it! Instead of serving a pizza while you actually wanted to lose weight… they will most likely have a healthy option for you ready. I’m sure you get my point here 😉

Choose you

Whenever possible, put your health and yourself first. When you first begin this habit, it may feel wrong, but the longer you practice it the more you will see the positive ripples it sends out into the world. A healthier you is a happier you – take time for yourself by taking that dancing class you always wanted to do, or a bike ride by yourself enjoying nature…

Relax

We are set under so much pressure these days… We have to manage too many things, so try to relax. Eating right and taking some time just for yourself should be relaxing not stressful, so really try to enjoy the journey! You owe it to yourself!

Cheat day

I’m sure you heard about this one before. It’s easy yet very effective to the mind and body. Set one day per week where you just don’t care. Where you can eat what you want. Go to that barbecue, or attend a wedding and eat that big piece of a cake, or simply have a movie night with nachos and popcorn! Try to enjoy it without any kind of regrets! But make it a point to go back to your regular routine the next day!!!!!

Imagine

Just like I talked about it in one of my previous posts on “How to motivate yourself to workout” – this one is also very effective for getting back on track… Imagine a fitter, stronger YOU!!! Every morning! It really helps!