Resistance and Challenges

16.05.2017 |

Episode #9 of the course 10 days to better wellness by Alyce Eyster

 

“To insure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” —William Londen

Friends, any change in habit is going to bring about challenge. If there was no resistance, there would be no bad habit.The solution is learning to work through your issues and not getting so frustrated that you give up altogether. Today we journey into these stumbling blocks.

 

Challenges

Throughout this class we’ve discussed nutrition, exercise, water intake, sleep, meditation and reflection. Out of those areas, where do you struggle most? Make a list of your top three challenges with number one being your biggest obstacle.

This is important because we want to focus on one challenge at a time and not move on to the next until you are ready.

 

Resistance

Resistance is a type of self sabotage. Chances are you do not even realize you are doing it. It comes in many forms but could be a nagging feeling or denial.

Now take a look at your number one challenge in obtaining better wellness. Let’s say it is exercise, as this is a fairly common obstacle.

 

Face the Music

Get honest and introspective and ask yourself: Why do I struggle to work out?

List all possible reasons. For example:

• Lack of time because I am a single working parent
• Don’t enjoy it
• Out of shape and embarrassed
• Need support, like a buddy or coach

 

Brainstorm Solutions

Now look at your answers and formulate a workable goal. For example if you do not currently work out at all, commit to just 30 minutes, 3 times per week. Or twice a week and plan to take a 10-minute walk after dinner, around the block with your family or with friends or listening to your favorite music. The added bonus is that you get in a little extra bonding time outside with family or friends or relaxing time with music. Commit to taking stairs when you can. If you work, you might also suggest a walking meeting. Another suggestion would be to get up a little earlier to exercise before work.

So you don’t enjoy working out? Who doesn’t love a walk in a park? Try everything—exercise videos, apps, classes on everything from yoga to self-defense to dance and group exercise like spin. Dig deep to find a variety of exercise you enjoy, can rotate through and not get bored.

If you are hesitant to work out in a gym, my suggestion is to try exercise apps and online videos in the comfort of your home until you feel more confident.

Support is out there, you just have to find it. It could come in the form of a friend or spouse or an online community. Basically, support means you have an accountability partner to answer to.

 

Set an Intent: A Realistic Goal

It might hurt a bit to overcome your obstacle, but you’ve accomplished the first step of being really honest with yourself. Now set an intention. For example, I will exercise 3-times per week for 30 minutes for 6-weeks to improve my health. You might even weigh yourself or you can simply judge your outcome by how you feel at the end of 6-weeks. It is important to be honest with yourself because you do not want to set yourself up for failure by suggesting a really over the top goal.

Tip: In assessing challenges it helps to really get to the heart of the matter. Go back to the beginning and determine why wellness is important to you in the first place.

Tomorrow: We wrap up the class with a summary of key points and takeaways learned over the last two weeks.

 

Recommended action

Research online communities where you might get additional support and motivation with your healthy lifestyle goals.

 

Recommended book

Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin

 

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