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Autoimmune diseases, chronic health conditions, and chronic pain can be highly debilitating. At times, especially with symptom flares, living with one of these conditions can feel impossible to find the motivation to develop or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
A new client signed up with me a few months ago because they noticed their energy wasn't what it used to be. They KNEW they needed to do something. And rather than just letting "life happen" and not making time for themselves, they decided to take control and do something about it.
But when they first started, they felt a lot of resistance, weren't excited about their sessions, and even avoided changing their habits.
Getting their workout done was just another thing to check off the to-do list…and occasionally even bump to the next day. They ignored my basic eating principles and chose to stay where they were.
Which, of course, meant they weren't getting results.
BUT … that all changed when one day we started talking about they used to go on week-long camping and hiking trips. Physically, they couldn't keep up, and they found themselves wiped out at the campsite after just the morning activities. These family trips are something my client hasn't been able to do comfortably in a long time.
As we talked, I could see how excited they were, so we started focusing the workouts and habit changes on building up stamina. Shifting the focus so they could do more of the thing they love, like hiking, biking, swimming, and chasing after their kids. And FINALLY, they were on FIRE! 100% totally focused on their goal.
This is the power of having a goal that gets you excited – something that adds value and fun to your life and has meaning!
Let me explain...
Your brain is hardwired to like new, fun, and different things.
When you try something new – or take up a new challenge – it fires up the "feel good" part of your brain.
Which pushes our motivation levels higher.
Adding something new and challenging will keep you moving forward and excited about continuing with your goals and building healthy habits.
Here are a few ideas:
Try hiking if you've never done it before – and if you have, what new trail(s) can you conquer?
Eat a plant-based diet for an entire week (or month!)
Do a recipe challenge where you cook 2-3 new meals (from scratch) every week.
Learn to swim, golf, ski, bodyboard, etc
Be able to hold a plank for 2 minutes
Be able to do 10 full-body push-ups
Challenge yourself to 2 full weeks without any added sugar
Do your first box jump
Meditate every day for one month and journal your progress
Eat a breakfast salad every day for a month
Set a daily activity goal for a week or month, and use your fitness tracker to chart your success
Once a week for a month, go on an active date: bowling, indoor ice skating, geocaching, bowling, or ax throwing!
The list of ideas is endless!
The whole point is to try NEW, FUN things that support a healthy lifestyle.
So, go make your list for the rest of this year. Don't write down, "I want to be healthy by the end of the year." Or "I want to lose 15 pounds by December 31st."
But NEW goals that excite you and make you happy! Goals that will support a healthy life both mentally and physically.
I am passionate about helping people living with autoimmune disease, chronic health conditions, or chronic pain break through the pain and physical limitations to achieve new strength and stamina levels. My goal is to help my clients feel their best selves, regardless of the challenges they may be facing.
I know from personal experience that autoimmune disease, chronic health conditions, and chronic pain can be difficult to manage day-to-day.
Despite these challenges, I also know that living a full and vibrant life is possible. If you're looking for someone to support you on your journey to wellness, please reach out to me.
I would be honored to work with you. Click here to schedule a FREE consultation.