How to respond if you realize (GASP) you’re not exercising today.
Oh, look – you’re not working out. Big deal.
Before you slip further into your special blend of self-hating meanspeak and self-pity, I have a few suggestions:
1- If today’s not the day, let it not be the day.
Unless you’re being ordered by a doctor to “exercise now, or else,”[ref]And even, in some cases, if you are.[/ref] you don’t need to start the Couch to 5K today. Acknowledge that you’re not exercising right now – say so out loud – and then Let It Go. Put the FitBit away. Dismiss the calendar reminder to workout. Cut yourself some slack. Harping on the things you’re not doing will not motivate you to do them. I promise.
2- Use the time well.
You’ve decided that now is not the time to exercise. Congratulations! Go do something fun or productive with that time.[ref]Try not to squander this precious not-exercising time by worrying about work you need to do while not actually doing it. Trading one guilt trip for another is lame. You can do better than that.[/ref] Play with makeup. Throw a bunch of clutter in the trash. Blast some tunes from High School. Email an old friend. Take a hot shower. Unapologetically stare at a wall. Prepare a delicious meal. Make out with someone special. Invite a friend to follow me on Facebook!
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3- Remember that no time is wasted if you’re paying attention.
Even if we do nothing but play video games and eat ice cream, if we’re paying attention to how doing that makes us feel, our time has been well spent. When the aim is wellness, nothing is more valuable than the moments we spend cued in to how the body and mind respond to the actions we take.[ref]Or, as is the case today, the actions we don’t take.[/ref]
Accept.
Carry on.
Pay attention.
Kisses!