5 Ways to Stay Mentally Engaged In Your Healthy Living Goals
For the past 4 weeks I have been really busy. Like, being pulled in every single direction type of busy. Although being busy is the norm around here, (hence the whole point of the blog) something happened during the course of those 2 weeks and it was sneaky and undetectable – – I was no longer mentally engaged in my process to get healthier.
The hardest part about getting healthier has never been the exercise or even the food. It has been the mental aspect, the part of me that believes I can do it. The part of me that ignores the upward movement or non movement of the scale. The part that says by this date you WILL be this size.
That part of me is responsible for my weight loss. It is responsible for my food tracking habits and never ending desire to succeed. Somehow over the past few weeks the cerebral aspect of the game was put on pause. I didn’t even have a clue! Life really went on.
Since last October I have been mentally locked and loaded. I’ve lost more weight in the past four months than I have in YEARS! Being mentally in the game is powerful. It is the invisible power that stops you from over eating your favorite foods, it pushes you to go one more mile, it gives you confidence in yourself–in your ability.
Without that confidence I was stuck in a rut. Too tired to cook dinner for myself, passing on my strength training challenge on more than a few days. Not monitoring my water intake, and the list goes on. Without the mental engagement old habits creep in and take over.
Thankfully I caught it before it could get the best of me and here are the ways that I got my head back in the game.
5 Essential Strategies to Stay Mentally Engaged with Your Healthy Living Journey
🌟 Discover a Motivating Trainer: I recently collaborated with a phenomenal new trainer who’s not just any trainer but an old college friend! This refreshing partnership unveiled a significant realization: I’d been settling for comfort in my workout routine. His rigorous sessions reminded me of the importance of pushing boundaries.
🥗 Revamp Your Dietary Habits: Introspection led me to scrutinize my dietary choices. Was I overeating? Perhaps undereating? Or indulging in foods that drained my energy? Upon making calculated dietary changes, I stumbled upon a rejuvenating combination: brown rice, braised beef, and a mix of kale and quinoa salads. The result? Absolute delight!
👟 Rediscover Your Workout Attire: Despite regular gym visits, my routine felt monotonous. Venturing into the depths of my workout closet, I chose an outfit that had been untouched. Slipping into it was a joyous moment, marking my progress since last year. That little change transformed my workout experience entirely.
🎯 Establish Attainable Goals: Setting my eyes on shedding a modest 2 pounds this month. This isn’t about drastic change but a nudge to get back on the progression path. The past months were stable, with no weight gain, but my focus waned. Now’s the time for revitalization.
🎉 Celebrate Every Milestone: Just because the numbers on the scale stayed steady doesn’t negate the strides I’ve made. It’s essential to recognize and appreciate every accomplishment, big or small. The journey might have pauses, but my determination remains unyielding.
In reflection, I cherish the resilience I’ve shown. Despite life’s interruptions, I refused to revert to old patterns. Embracing a healthy lifestyle is a marathon, not a sprint. Some days might be challenging, but the true objective is to ensure the good days outnumber the rest. Let’s embrace the journey, together!
What are some more healthy living posts to check out?
- Delicious Easy Healthy Snack Ideas For Movie Night
- Free Healthy Living Planner For Kids Of All Ages
- Free Printable Medical Planner For The Family
Have you had off days in your goal pursuits? Feel free to check in with your Wellness wins and/or losses!
If you enjoyed these tips about how to stay mentally engaged with your fitness journey be sure to check out my Instagram Page for the latest posts!
Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!
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I always tell my clients that it’s 80% mental. If you think you can… The mind is a very powerful thing and, unfortunately, it goes both ways. I’m SO happy to hear you are in it to win int!!! Not that I ever had a doubt. It seems to be you’re in the best place you have been, both mentally AND physically and this will carry you toward your goals. There will always be off days but it’s what you do with them that counts.
It totally makes sense Allie, the mental part has been difficult for me, but somethings happened over the weekend and I think I have my mojo back!
It is true…a lot of this is just getting into a process of a new routine, a new way of life. Old habits are hard to break but you can make new habits. I am slow sometimes to get it done, but I do get it done sometimes.
exactly right Michelle!
Wonderful goals and I need to set some new ones for myself, because I have been totally slacking and definitely gained a few pounds over this cold, long winter myself. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend, Nellie!! 🙂
Thanks Janine!
I planned to write about this today since I had a yucky morning workout! 🙂 Thanks for the tips + I am happy that you found a new trainer that you love too.
Yes! he is awesome. I’m so happy I made the switch.
What a great post Nellie! So true! I am so happy to hear you have a new trainer. I know you struggled with your old one!
I did! I have a post coming up on my transition to the new guy 🙂
Get it Nellie!! Man, being mentally engaged is the majority of the battle. That’s what keeps us accountable. I fell off the wagon in a big way after Ragnar. I’d been training for a year and when it was over I was so busy, I felt blah about my work outs (I only run about 8 miles/wk 🙁 ) . I’m encouraged by your post today. Thanks for sharing your great tips.
I am so glad you are encouraged, I personally think that you deserve a break after such a big race!
I love your positive attitude!
And, what a great idea to shop the closet – so true that having some fun/cute new workout stuff helps a lot!
Yes! I tend to recycle so its really awesome to try something new 🙂
Oh yes, off days, weeks, months.
You have a great attitude and I adore your accountability and your honesty about this.
We’re not SuperWomen, but maybe we’re close, right?
pretty close 😉
Seems that it is a busy time for most! I like these tips! I always love the new or old outfit trick, works every time!
Exactly!! Gotta look fly at the gym!!
I’m like a roller coaster when it comes to goals. I’m up and down and all over the place. Great tips!
Thanks Carla!!
I understand how difficult it can be to stay “on” and on track. I have a husband, career and ministry. Now that Lent has started, ministry is extra busy. As a Type A, I have made an effort to learn to forgive myself. I cannot and will not do everything. I do the best that I can do and then stop. I’m glad that your new trainer is great. You’ll reach your goals!
Amen, thanks so much for the encouragement Crystal!!
Good for you, Nellie! You recognized the mental slump and came back with a counter-offensive. All five tips are workable and will give you (and the rest of us aiming to stay in the fitness game) the results you crave.
Thanks Alison! I definitely feel more encouraged after identifying the issue.
You are absolutely right. Meeting your health goals absolutely has to do with your mental thoughts. I notice it the most while jogging and struggling to make it to the end. However, whenever I want to give up repeat this quote to myself, “Your body can go on forever. It’s your mind that’s tricking you to stop.” Once I remind myself of that, I can always make it to the end.
That is the perfect quote and I think I will steal it thank you very much! lol
Thanks Angela!
You have to Tara! we work to hard to not give ourselves credit for all of that hard work!
Great tips Nellie! Sometimes we need to do a self evaluation. I found that the road to fitness goals is dynamic. What worked once may not be working now and we periodically need to reevaluate our methods to stay on track. Great job!
Thanks Kristina!! The re evaluation is key for me!! I am learning to do it at least every 2-3 months.
Food intake is one of the biggest factors. I tell everyone this. As soon as they start watching what they eat and drink a lot of water the weight just drops.