Motivation Monday

I can absolutely admit that I have been really slacking lately. I don't have the most balanced of diets and exercise is almost a terrifying prospect. With the wedding just over a year away I feel that this is a good time to start getting into shape and to ultimately feel better about myself. 

I have heard so many people talk about body and confidence issues, and I am one of those people. I understand that you should feel comfortable in your own skin, but that's easier said than done. I would love to be one of those people who could love themselves completely, but do many people really feel like this?

Today is the first day of my personal journey in feeling better about myself. This means a healthier and more positive lifestyle. That's not to say that I can't eat a doughnut every now and then or that I'm going to have a strict diet, but just try to focus on realistic and achievable goals to reduce my anxiety and up my confidence. Here are my goals:

Going on more walks

It takes me awhile to push myself to go for a little stroll somewhere, but once I'm there I do really enjoy walking around. I am such a tree lover and there's nothing more relaxing to me than looking at the trees while I wander. A stress reliever and a little bit of exercise, I really can't complain.  

Eating breakfast

This may seem like such a ridiculous goal to some of you, but I really don't eat breakfast much. I know I should have a meal to get my mind and body ready for the day, but I never particularly feel hungry in the mornings. I also find breakfast meals quite boring. I've started changing up my cereal with some additional berries, adding almonds or cinnamon to porridge and just in general eating more fruit in the mornings. I truly feel better for it in the day.

Never say diet

I have tried and failed at diets before and I have decided that the word diet just doesn't work to me. I should be able to eat more of a balanced diet without feeling guilty if I enjoy a biscuit in the day. This isn't to say that diets don't work for others, they just aren't for me. I want to make a lifestyle change so everyday feels normal when eating well, not feeling like I let myself down if I didn't stick to a strict plan. Veggies, fruit.. all of that, but if I want to treat myself to a cake when I walk past a bakery.. I bloody will!

Atleast 10 minutes of fitness a day

Let's face it the gym can be expensive and I don't feel like taking away an hour a day to go to a room of sweaty strangers whilst queuing for a running machine. I have been there and once I was pumped and dressed to go get fit, after the trouble of waiting for a particular machine and avoiding the super fit people, I just felt demotivated and intimidated. Instead I have started using an app called 8fit which allows you to take part in mini workout sessions as often as you want with guided videos. You can do this wherever you want and keep track of your progress and calories burnt. It's far more realistic for me to motivate myself to take 10 mins at home than trying to hit the gym.

No more focusing on the negative

I am a full-blown worrier and I hate it. It consumes my life, makes me feel anxious and stops me from enjoying the simple things in life. I am desperate to turn this around and to focus more on the positive. Once again, easier said than done, but I'm trying to work on mindfulness and adapt to only worrying about the things I can actually do something about.

Tell myself I can

Relating to above, I often put off doing the things I wish I could do, because I tell myself I can't do it before I have even tried. This is not something I would want anyone else to feel and I if I can tell others they can and should try.. why can't I?

I hope these goals might be helpful to some of you and your journey. If you have any tips yourself, please feel free to share, I would love to know.