You know it’s good for you, but a million excuses can get between you and a workout. Here’s how to change your thinking—and your health—with tips from The Ultimate Stress-Relief Plan for Women: Heal the Destructive Effects of Stress on Your Body, by Stephanie McClellan, M.D., and Beth Hamilton, M.D.
Negative: I’m too exhausted even to think of moving.
Positive: I always have much more energy after I exercise.
Negative: I’m just so slow.
Positive: When I started I was winded so quickly. I may not be a speed demon, but I’ve really built up my endurance.
Negative: My whole body hurts from that last workout.
Positive: If I stretch well or take a hot bath, my muscles will be warmed up, and I’ll be feeling no pain once I start moving.
Negative: I had to skip three days because I had a virus. It’s always impossible for me to stay with it. Something always gets in the way.
Positive: Each day is a new day, and I can pick up where I left off.
Negative: It’s miserable out, so I think I’ll just sleep in this morning.
Positive: It’s raining too hard for me to enjoy my walk, I think I’ll try that new yoga DVD.
Negative: This was the most stressful day at work in a long time. I think I’ll make myself a martini.
Positive: I haven’t been this stressed out in a long time. I bet a good workout will help me burn off this tension.
Hi! I'm Kristy, the editor/blogger of TOHL. I work with Simon & Schuster's expert authors to share our best health and fitness tips. I'm a runner, SoulCycler and Pilates addict, love to find healthy recipes, and am always looking for new challenges. Feel free to contact me at kristy dot ojala at simonandschuster dot com.
Guilty, guilty guilty! Of every single one!
It’s the way of our nature. We tend to focus on the negative–positive thinking takes work. We can do it!
It’s miserable out, so I think I’ll just sleep in this morning.