New Year’s discount - Get 50% off a Focus Bear subscription if you sign up before 31st January
Every year, during this time, you sit down to think about your New Year’s resolutions. You set clear goals that you believe would make you happier and healthier. The problem is, however, you find yourself often repeating last year’s resolutions. This is when you should take a step back and think about “how” you’re going to reach your goals. Let us make 2023 the year you achieve them.
This year I am focusing on getting more exercise, one of the many good habits I should do more of. If you’re like me and your plans to wake up early to exercise before your 9-5 job never stick and neither do the plans to exercise after work, then let’s find ways to get physical AT the job.
I am starting with this strategy because it means I won’t have to find any extra time throughout my day. As a working mother, my days are already full of tasks and obligations. If I can squeeze exercise into my already busy day, I will be more likely to stick to it.
Let’s get started by reminding ourselves of the reasons we want to exercise more in the first place. As we all know, regular exercise is good for both our physical and mental health. However, instead of reciting the health benefits of exercise, ask yourself what you are looking to gain. I know that exercising will make me healthier, give me more energy, and make me more productive at work and in my personal life. While all of this is wonderful, it’s not what is truly motivating for me.
I want to feel like I accomplished something significant. When I get regular workouts, I am uplifted because I have taken the time to do something for myself. I find myself checking out my arms and legs in the mirror and liking what I see. It’s like I found a way to show myself that I actually matter. I am not just here to produce for everyone else (family, work, friends). I am doing something that is purely for me. That’s my real “why”.
Why do YOU want to exercise more? Don’t just say that it's because you know you should. What motivates you? What do you hope to gain? Are you searching for a feeling of accomplishment? Do you want to feel more present and productive in your day-to-day life? If you can answer those questions then you are on the right track to achieve your goal.
Starting an exercise regime in your spare time would be a major change. And while it would prove worthwhile, it is not the only way to get more exercise into your day. If your goal is simply to move your body more, then putting more activity into your normal day is a far more realistic goal. I will list ways you can become more active in your 9 to 5 days. These are small changes that can make a real impact. Remember, we are looking for progress, not perfection.
It can also track your activity over time so you can see how you improve.
Use all 4 of these strategies or just one to get started. The important part is that you make a positive change. If you know that you don’t adapt to change quickly, then my advice would be to use an app or tool to help you with accountability. The Focus Bear app, referenced in tip #3, will play a role in providing you with the “how” and “what” you need to get more active. You can select your preferences for workouts and breaks right within the app. You can download it and try it today so that you are ready for Monday morning.
Remember, change doesn’t have to happen overnight. Take it one day and a few extra steps at a time. Enlist some help via an app and/or a friend for accountability and you will make strides toward your goal. Progress over perfection. May 2023 be the year you get more physical,do something for yourself, and reach your goals!
