With sunshine and warm weather comes happiness and positivity, or so you are taught pretty much from the moment you can talk and read. When I think of the sun I think of a little smiley face in the center radiating JOY and HAPPINESS, and now that I am older, seeing sunny and 75 on the weather app I get the same feeling. The little sunshine icon brings instant gratification because that means no rain and us Seattleites know that is very rare. Second, it musters up motivation to get outside and soak in Vitamin D knowing that it is crucial for mood and energy. Happiness and positivity is what I expect to be feeling but lately my emotions are experiencing pressure and my headspace has been negative.
These feelings are stemming from my lack of motivation in all aspects of my life. Maybe it’s from trying to get back on track from my vacations but I just can’t seem to get a handle on much. Before these past two weeks I was going to the gym five days a week, taking walks after work, eating whole foods, hydrating, and staying ahead of my homework, but all of that has suddenly fallen through. Not to the point of no return, but enough to make me feel like my head is barely above water. So I think I am writing this blog to keep myself accountable with getting back on track and finding that motivation again. MOTIVATION is not something that appears out of thin air, you won’t always have it but once you accept that, is when you learn to push through those negative feelings and seek the positive ones.
Instead of throwing myself into everything full speed again, I am starting slow and acknowledging that small tasks will go a long way. I will say that my schoolwork has not taken that big of a hit in that I have been keeping up with assignments, but as far as where I want to be in the future, there is more I know I could be doing. My goal is to set aside specific times to work on assignments, study for quizzes, and prepare for future semesters to avoid last minute stress and procrastination. If I have any advice for people that are struggling with the same issues involving school, work, or tasks in general, it is that a PLANNER will be your best friend. My planner is the best thing that has happened to me because I can use it to write in assignments due for the week, to-do lists, grocery lists, or tasks I need to complete at home. It holds me accountable and let’s be honest, nothing is more satisfying than crossing tasks off a list.
As I mentioned, my workouts and exercise regimen have taken a hit because quite frankly, the gym is the last place I want to be right now. Instead of forcing myself to complete an average gym workout, I am going to get back to my daily walks, even if they are just 15 minutes. A little movement goes a long way and I know the feeling I will have if I get it done. One accomplishment leads to another and who knows, it may spark my love for the gym again, but until then I will get my exercise elsewhere. I also know that Vitamin D deficiency leads to fatigue, tiredness, and in severe cases depression, which is even more of a motivation to get outside at some point during the day. Being that I am not the only one who is feeling this way (at least that is what I am telling myself), I am always seeking advice from friends and family, sometimes even strangers to see what helps others when they are in a funk.
Last but definitely not least and actually the most important aspect of our lives, NUTRITION, mine is in need of some serious TLC. It is so strange to me that given I am a certified nutrition coach and would consider myself pretty in tune with what foods my body responds best to including my mental and physical health, I am still choosing to indulge (too often) in what I would consider to be on the lower quality end. I think this goes to show that everyone struggles no matter what and I have learned that it is not about being perfect all the time, but how you adapt and move forward. After many vacation meals and quick dinners because the thought of cooking dinner sounded like the ultimate chore, I am making it a priority to meal prep vegetables in my favorite way, oven roasted, and making sure I have a lean protein source on hand, along with healthy fats and carbs that I can pair them with. This takes the pressure off of the dreaded question “what am I going to have for dinner?” because having everything pre prepped makes it easy to pair a quick meal, with all of the necessary nutrients. Energy levels and mood changes are fueled by your microbiome, known as your gut, which means that your intake including supplements, liquids, and foods fuel your gut meaning that they are ALL connected. Knowing this information and actually practicing it are two different things, which like I said is what I have been struggling with. Indulging in treats and processed foods is completely okay in moderation, as long as essential nutrients are your main priority along with listening to your body in how it reacts. Let your intuitions and microbiome tell you how you feel and use those feelings to make the most beneficial decisions for your health and overall wellbeing.
I mentioned that this blog is to keep me accountable and something verbal to look back and remind myself it is okay to lack motivation. Going through these feelings is an amazing lesson learned, that it is absolutely OKAY to feel this way, it is okay to not feel 100% all of the time. I hope that anyone reading this can benefit from some if not all of this information and use it as a guide on their health and wellness journey. If my unstableness hasn’t scared you off yet, live@fitbarcafe.com is our Fit Bar email that can answer any questions revolving around nutrition, diet, exercise, and much more. Our mission is to provide you with quality information and quality foods of course so please reach out and allow us to join your journey!
Coach Liv, Pn1
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Email: live@fitbarcafe.com
