2018 is the Year of the Yang Earth Dog and self-care is suggested.
How To Turn Your Fitness Routine Into Self-Care
Fit Shiela
Having a workout routine can feel like more of a chore than a hobby, which is why many of us find it so hard to stick to one. The best way to make sure you reach your fitness goals is by turning your workouts into part of your self-care regimen: something you do to make you feel better, not worse. As a result, these changes can help you look forward to exercise and stick to it.
Choose The Right Exercise
Exercise can be a great form of self-care, but only when you enjoy it. Choose an exercise that will make you feel good not just because it’s good for you, but because it’s fun.
If you love the outdoors, take up hiking on your weekends. If you are always on the dance floor at parties, sign up for a dance class. If cardio tends to feel sweaty and uncomfortable for you, hit the swimming pool. According to Time, the weightlessness, coolness and lack of impact of swimming make it a preferred exercise for many people who usually dislike cardio, while still being great for you.
Consider Morning Fitness
Most of us feel like we are ‘too busy’ to focus on our wellness and fitness. Our schedules tend to be hectic, and we’re not sure where we can fit in regular exercise. However, as Plexus explains, ‘too busy’ is not a valid excuse. You can make time in your day for your workouts.
If you tend to be busy in the evenings, why not try to wake up an hour earlier and work out in the mornings? Getting out of bed may be difficult, but morning workouts keep your schedule clear for the rest of the day.
Besides, research has shown that people who workout in the mornings tend to eat better throughout the day and achieve better long-term results. You are also likely to have a more positive approach to your day and feel better because you have done something productive right off the bat.
Keep a Schedule
Whenever you choose to workout, a great way to make sure you stick to your fitness routine is by scheduling it. Whether you plan your day using a Google Calendar, journal or one of the many time management apps, block out your planned workouts ahead of time and make them a priority.
This also goes for other aspects of your wellness and self-care. If you feel like you never get around to doing the things you love, such as reading, spending time with friends, or playing music, then start scheduling your favorite hobbies into your day.
Incorporate Mindfulness Into Your Fitness Routine
Yoga may have become a bit of a cliche, but it is undoubtedly a great exercise for mind and body. According to Forbes, studies have shown that it is good for both your muscles and cardiovascular health while also being an effective tool in combating depression.
It is an ideal form of fitness for those seeking balance and harmony between their physical and mental health, and it is also varied enough that you are likely to find a type of yoga that works for you specifically.
However, if that doesn’t sound like your thing, there are plenty of other small ways to practice mindfulness when exercising. Focus on your breathing and on the purpose of your exercise, and try to remain in the moment while you are doing it. Remember to stretch, warm up, and cool down. These small changes will help improve the flow of your exercise and make you feel more positive and clear-headed after your workouts.
Fitness doesn’t have to be something you dread. Not only can it be a genuinely fun and enjoyable activity, it can also clear your head help you face the day with a better attitude. When well-implemented, a fitness regimen should be an integral part of your self-care, and not a form of punishment. Remember to be kind to yourself if you slip up, whilst also keeping in mind that the kindest thing you can do for yourself is to work toward a healthy mind and body.
