Let me explain where this thought came from…
Been sharing in Stories the past few wks that I’ve been able to get back to the gym – not just cardio or “steps counted”
(which I’d been doing), but actually lifting weights. Something I hadn’t had the energy/motivation for, since before my crash.
A friend/community member reached out on DMs yesterday & she asked for advice on: How do you get motivated to get back into the gym, when you just feel no motivation to do so? You know deep down somewhere you want to get back to it, ya just can’t push yourself.
I’m gonna share what I responded to her with…bc…if we are in a state where we aren’t motivated, often times waiting for the “typical” motivation “reasons” don’t ever surface. I replied:
“It’s tough bc getting back to the gym – there’s usually a reason we can point to…something like ‘wanting to look better’ or ‘having an event coming up where we want to impress’ or ‘getting back at that ex’…or ‘wanting to fit in that dress or shirt again.’ And when we’re in this state, those things don’t resonate. The rewards center doesn’t acknowledge them.
So…I find the only way I’m able to get my butt back, is to get down to basics & tell myself – ok, you feel like crap right now & are unmotivated. The only way you’re ever gonna feel better mentally, is by making SOME form of physical activity, part of your MH routine. You can do all the breathing & mindfulness ya want, Eric…your body needs movement for your brain to truly start kicking in.
It doesn’t have to be all-in right away, like you get yourself in trouble w usually (eg running 5 miles on the treadmill the first day back). It could be taking a walk arnd the block…doing one set of bicep curls…or just a few push ups.”
Our bodies are SYSTEMS…& those systems work TOGETHER. Energy we make in the mitochondria of our cells from oxygen & glucose – it needs to move through the body. If it stays stagnant, neither the brain nor the body can start to optimize. Consider this when you’re looking to feel better: the brain needs the body…& the body needs the brain: to be engaged. Our brainer & bodies are attached for a reason!
