Obstacle #1: Distraction
I am a busy working mother of four. Whenever I want to exercise there are always 100 more pressing things on my “to do” list that seem more important and urgent than my workout time. Even after I have established that none of these items are more important than my set-aside workout time I will still experience the power of distraction as my mind wanders DURING my workout. This causes my exercise intensity to decrease and my motivation to wane. This can be a very powerful and frustrating experience.
My solution to the obstacle of distraction:
This is very simple but revolutionary for the busy but committed fitness mom:
I keep a pad of paper and a pen in my workout area so I can jot down whatever pressing distraction or “thing to do” pops up. This way, I get it out of my head and on paper so that I can focus again on my workout.
Sometimes, by the end of my workout, the sheet of paper on the top of my pad is FULL! It is amazing how much my mind generates while my heart is pumping! I get some of my best, most innovative ideas, while I’m exercising. Blood to the brain is a good thing! But if all the “to do’s” and ideas are on my mind while I’m trying to break a sweat, I will not be able to engage and approach my workout with the calorie-burning intensity that I need to make my investment worthwhile.
I have found that if I keep a pad a paper and pen readily available I can quickly dump ideas or “to do items” as they come onto the paper, relieving myself of the anxiety of trying to remember it, while freely moving on with my workout. I feel good about the fact that I can continue to engage my body AND my mind in my fitness routine while at the same time, not neglecting other thoughts or responsibilities that demand my attention as well.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh Jenn…I love you.
This is one of my BIGGEST problems. I am the worst meal planner and me and my family suffer for it.
I LOVE the white board idea.
Here are a couple of things that help me…
1. I sat down and made a list of 20 basic meals that I could make quickly and easily. I try to keep those ingredients on hand. I figure that 20 meals should cover about a month if you factor in leftovers and the occasional meal out.
2. I designated certain nights for certain types of meals for example. Monday is Pasta night, Tuesday is Mexican Food night, Wednesday is quick foods like soup and sandwiches because we usually have an activity that night, etc….
I am glad you are back to blogging!
ooooo. those are really good ideas. i will add them to my own weekly plan. It’s so hard to plan meals that work for everyone, isn’t it?!