Life has its fair share of struggles. In fact, there are times where you’re sidelined quickly and without advanced notice. These situations shake you to your core and get you to think differently about things. Sometimes, you completely challenge your motive and wonder if you’re capable of working out and getting into the best shape of your life.
What do you do when you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged by your circumstances? Do you give up fighting or do you press on knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel? Even if you feel like you’re strong most days, certain life events can throw you for a loop.
How to Stay Motivated When Facing Challenges
Remaining focused on your fitness goals can be challenging but it doesn’t need to be. There are things you can do to help you during the tough times you’re experiencing. In fact, we’ve come up with some ideas that will strengthen your resolve and help you keep on track while improving your health and wellness.
Here are some ways to stay highly motivated in the face of adversity:
- Know that this too shall pass. Even the worst experiences have an expiration date. When you’re struggling to get past something that is challenging, know that it will eventually be long over with. You’ll have lived through the experience, learned the lesson, and be wiser for it. You can be even more triumphant the next time around because of the experiences that you’ve had. What doesn’t kill you makes you so much stronger.
- Rely on your most supportive relatives and friends. You’re going to need extra TLC from the people you trust most. Don’t be afraid to ask for support from your family and friends. They know why working out is important to you and won’t allow you to give up on your goals even if things are going really badly. Having a team of supportive people on your side is a real gamechanger. They’ll pick you up when you’re having a hard time.
- Take baby steps toward maintaining your routine. Sometimes it’s necessary to take it one minute, one hour or one day at a time. Once you feel up to it, you can go back to your normal workout routine. Until then, take baby steps until you feel comfortable being where you need to be again. Only do what you feel like you can do in the moment. One day soon, you’ll be ready to rock and roll once again.
- Don’t beat yourself up if you take some time off from working out. Commit to getting back to the gym just as soon as you can. That way, you’re not losing the progress you’ve made in the past. Give yourself a hard deadline to start working out again. Find an accountability buddy to check in with so that you won’t change your mind. You’ll be back to your routine before you know because it helps you feel better about your circumstances. Working out gives you a healthy outlet for dealing with stress.
- Stay committed to your self-care regimen. Eat right, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and stay in touch with the people you care about. If you have the energy, engage in some form of exercise. Listen to your body and give it what it needs during this stressful time. You won’t get sick or injured that way. You don’t want to do anything that further impedes the progress that you’ve made.
- Talk to someone who can offer you assistance in your time of need. If you’re really struggling, it may help for you to talk about what’s going on in your life with a close relative or friend. If that doesn’t seem to do the trick, seeking the assistance of a mental health professional is advisable. You’re looking out for your health and well-being by doing so. Seeking help when you need it most helps you heal quicker so you’re able to get back to your normal self quickly.
There are many things you can do to build resilience. Most importantly, you need to know that you don’t have to go at it alone. You can easily ask for help from people that you trust. They’ll be able to lift you up and remind you why you went on a fitness journey in the first place. Having people who will hold you accountable but in a loving and supportive way is essential to your well-being during trying times so make sure that you recruit a few people to fulfill this role for you.
When life knocks you down, make sure to get back up. It may take some time to reach your fitness goals after being thrown for a loop. It doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth the challenge, however. You’ll find new things out about yourself in the process and discover how triumphant you truly are. It’s incredibly liberating when you’re able to step back into your power and reclaim the person you were before the challenge came into your life.
Step Into the Role of the Warrior We Know That You Are
There will be times where life’s trials may seem like too much. These obstacles may threaten to derail your progress or get you to believe differently about yourself and your capabilities. We’re here to say that we know how tough it is to face adversity, but we fully believe in your capabilities and know that you can do anything you set your mind to doing. You’re strong, resilient, and focused on the prize the way a true warrior would be.
You were brave enough to begin your fitness journey when you first started out. It took guts to go the gym that first day. Remember that feeling and let it serve as inspiration for you when you’re getting back on your feet once again. Any setback that you’ve experienced is temporary as long as you resolve to resume your routine just as soon as you can.