How to Build Consistency with Your Life
And we are back with another round of Tuesday tips > let’s talk about building a habit of consistency!
I often hear from runners (and I’ve experienced myself) that it is HARD to build consistency with running, exercise, and eating clean.
And here’s the thing, it is hard to get into a consistent habit, I get it. Especially if you are a busy mom, wife, or work full time However, just because it is hard, doesn’t mean that is impossible or should be avoided. It can be done and there are massive benefits to simply running or exercises even a couple times per week.
A few tips to create better consistency and enjoyment with your exercise are below:
1. Find something you LOVE: Okay ladies, not everyone is meant to be the same. And that’s ALRIGHT. If you really, really don’t like a certain kind of exercise, don’t feel the need to pressure yourself to do it. (Yes, it is good to try it out for a while and see if you learn to like it, but also try things that you find interesting) Think of different kinds of movement you enjoy: running, hiking, swimming, biking, lifting, pilates, yoga, etc. Find something you enjoy and start doing it!
2. Start small, even if 20 minutes > Once you start, don’t be intimidated with working out for hours on end. When my husband first starting working out, he started creating a habit of simply 20 minutes a day. It gave him enough time to get a quality workout in, but didn’t overwhelm him. If you are just starting to get into an exercise habit, give yourself grace and start small and then build!
3. Don’t find the time > make the time. “I don’t have the time…” SO MANY PEOPLE SAY THIS. And as a wife, toddler mom, and biz owner I totally get it, life is busy! But, we all have 24 hours in a day. Instead of saying, “I don’t have time,” let’s ask ourselves, “How can I make the time?” You will be surprised with how much changes with a simple thought adjustment!
4. Give yourself grace, while practicing discipline. Lastly, give yourself grace, but also practice the art of discipline. The Bible talks a lot about discipline and grace and BOTH are healthy and needed in our lives. You may not be able to get a workout in one day or even for an entire week and you know what? It is okay. It is not the end of the world. However, on the same side of the coin, we must practice self control and discipline in our lives too. Like Proverbs 25:28 says, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Let’s make our walls strong, while giving ourselves grace too.
I hope these help you as you gain consistency in your running, exercise, nutrition and life!
Cheering you on!