Have you ever felt demotivated? A large number of people have experienced this and ended up scrolling through different youtube videos. This is a kind of external motivation which is helpful in the short run but if we want to stay motivated for a longer period of time, we must work on motivation which lies within us. To stay active means staying physically as well as mentally alert or prepared. Basically, it’s the reason for which we want to be motivated. Let’s say someone wants to buy a car by the end of this year, that is the reason for which he/she wants to stay motivated. At the same time, it can work as a motivation, too. Hence, motivation would work better if it comes from within.
You will need to work on a few things like-
- Change the perception-
In order to stay motivated, one needs to change the way they look at their need to stay active. You need to love the work that you do to stay motivated and ultimately to be successful. Take a deep breath and shift your thoughts from work to fun. While it might sound like a tough task, it isn’t and it’s not as big a leap as you think. If you want to think about your health and start working towards it, take the time and go for it and try enjoy the whole workout. It is important that you don’t stress yourself by making it a responsibility.
- Set goals-
First, it is important to know what the goals are and why do you need that thing in your life? How will it benefit you individually, whether your goal is to get your dream body shape, or to get a particular project, or get good grades at school/college? Once you are done planning your long-term goals, you are now suppose to make short term goals to achieve the long term benefits. For example, if you haven’t exercised in a while, a short-term goal might be to walk 10 minutes a day five days a week. An intermediate goal might be to walk 30 minutes for five days a week. A long-term goal might be to complete a 5K walk and in order to achieve that one must take baby steps and not rush it.
- Make exercise fun-
Make a note of the sports or activities that you enjoy and then vary the routine to keep it interesting. If you’re not enjoying your workouts, try something different. If you think gym is not suiting your body, go hit yoga classes or join a volleyball or softball league. You can also take ballroom dancing classes, check out a health club or martial arts centre. Try to find out your hidden athletic talent. Exercise doesn’t have to be boring, and one is more likely to stick with a fitness program if they are having fun.
- Be consistent-
You can also slip into physical activity throughout the day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking up and down the sidelines while watching the kids play sports. You can also take a walk during a break at work, pedal a stationary bike or do strength training exercises while watching TV at night. Studies have found that sitting for long periods of time may negatively affect your health, even if you otherwise get the recommended amount of weekly activity. If you sit for several hours a day at work, aim to take regular breaks during the day to move, such as walking to the water fountain to get a drink of water or standing during phone conversations
- Be flexible-
If you’re too busy to work out or simply don’t feel up to it, try to take a day or two off. Be gentle with yourself if you need a break. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as you can. Now that you’ve regained your enthusiasm, it is time to get moving again. Set your goals, make it fun and pat yourself on the back from time to time. It is important to remember that physical activity has to be performed throughout our life. Review these tips whenever you feel that your motivation slipping.
You’re not in this alone. You can invite friends or co-workers to join you when you exercise or work out with your partner or loved ones, play soccer with your kids or organize a group of neighbours to take fitness classes. You may also find that it helps to keep an exercise diary or to maintain a health journal. Record what you did during each exercise session, how long you exercised and how you felt afterward. After each exercise session, take a few minutes to save the good feelings that exercise gives you and appreciate yourself for all the sweat you’ve burnt. This type of internal reward can help you make a long-term commitment to regular exercise. External rewards can help too. When you reach a longer range goal, treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes or new tunes to enjoy while you exercise.
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