I wanted to think today about guilt, shame and the “shoulds’.
For me personally, guilt and shame are paralysing feelings. If I feel like I’m not doing something that I “should”, I clam up. It makes me less likely to do the thing, and it definitely makes me less likely to enjoy it. It has the opposite effect that many might think - it closes the “on-ramp” to what it is I “should” be doing.
If you’re already committed to a physical activity programme, and you fall off the “wagon” for a week or two. It can be hard to get through the guilt and get moving again. Or if you’ve delayed starting due to personal circumstances, or are starting again after a long break, guilt and shame feel like just another obstacle.
The way I see it, guilt and shame are negative motivators - it's definitely more pleasant to motivate yourself using positive motivators! Most of us have got a health issue that is already motivating us to reduce pain or other symptoms - but there are lots of other positive ways to get moving.
DrKristinaCurtisEXI has written some really great posts in her series about Monday Motivation I think she’s really managed to put together some great food for thought. To paraphrase a few of my favourites:
1. Find activities that bring you joy and relish them! (walks with friends, dancing, gardening, swimming)
2. Think about the good feelings you’ll have after being active (dopamine rush, sense of achievement, more energy)
3. Treat yourself if you hit a milestone: a cuppa and a magazine for a small goal - an outing with friends for a bigger one.
4. Talk to yourself like you would if you were encouraging a friend!
5. Think about your goals - playing with grandchildren, doing a sponsored walk, going on a trip, and how good it will feel to achieve them!
EXI is about starting a lifelong change and making physical activity part of your everyday life. My outlook is that you’re more likely to keep moving if you use positive motivation!
What are some positive ways you motivate yourself to get up and active?
