We’ve all heard it before: exercise is vital for a healthy life. Yet, translating that knowledge into action can often feel like an uphill battle. It’s not just about the mixed signals we get from social media, where we’re bombarded with photoshopped images that set an unattainable standard. Forget that noise; it’s about genuine well-being.
Consider the conversations with your healthcare provider who emphasizes the importance of physical activity for overall health. Or those moments when you feel drained and know a good workout would lift your spirits, yet your energy is nowhere to be found.
And then there’s that harsh inner critic. You know, the one that never seems to take a break, especially when you’re feeling down. It’s the voice that berates you with phrases like, “Get off the couch, you lazy bum!” and “You used to look so much better.” Sound familiar? Many women, including myself, have faced this inner turmoil. But how often do we take a moment to say, “I am worth this time to invest in myself”?
As someone who is nearly 42 and has been working out for around 30 years, I’ve experienced the full spectrum of feelings toward exercise. From loathing it, to tolerating it, to finally embracing it after having three kids — and let me tell you, that was no easy feat. But not exercising was even tougher. It made me irritable and anxious, while a workout would silence that mean voice and leave me feeling empowered.
I’m not referring to the workouts that involve chasing my kids around; I’m talking about carving out dedicated time for myself to move. Whether it’s getting fresh air or hitting the gym after the kids are asleep, exercise is an essential investment in yourself. And you, my friend, are absolutely worth it.
Once I started prioritizing my well-being instead of indulging in self-criticism, I fell in love with being active. Today, I’m in better shape than I was in my 20s. It’s my form of therapy, and I envision myself maintaining this routine for life. I never think, “Wow, I wish I hadn’t done that killer workout.”
Here’s the secret I learned after much trial and error: if your motivation for exercising is merely to maintain a certain size, it’s time to rethink your approach. Sure, many people work out to lose weight or keep trim. But what usually happens is that we become overly fixated on numbers, leading to a cycle of self-sabotage.
About six years ago, during a challenging period in my life, I began using exercise as a coping mechanism. It became my sanctuary, a place to unleash emotions and channel negativity into something constructive. Rather than forcing myself, I began to crave the positivity that followed a workout — it became a date with myself. I started exercising not out of obligation or to fit into a specific size, but because my well-being depended on it.
When you treat your body with respect, you naturally want to nourish it with good food (most of the time, anyway—let’s be honest, we all enjoy a good burger now and then!). This investment pays off in the form of strength, clarity, and overall happiness.
Yes, exercise takes effort, and there will be days when you feel like giving up. But when you approach it from a place of self-love, your perspective shifts. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity. Your family will understand and support your commitment to self-care, and they’ll witness the positive changes it brings to your happiness and health.
Remember, it’s all about investing in yourself, and you are absolutely deserving of that. Don’t let anyone, including that inner critic, tell you otherwise.
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Summary
Exercise is more than just a means to achieve a certain physique; it’s a vital investment in your well-being. Embracing physical activity from a place of self-love can transform your relationship with fitness, leading to long-term benefits for both your mind and body. Remember, you are worth this investment.