How to stay consistent
Being physically active on a regular basis can feel challenging, especially if you are dealing with a mental illness. It can feel difficult to motivate yourself or get back into an exercise routine after you’ve stopped for a while. Here are some tips to help you stay consistent and get all the mental benefits that come with physical activity:
Keep a record: Write down why you want to exercise, some realistic goals and your achievements. Seeing on paper what you hope for and what you have achieved can increase motivation. You can print a weekly tracker to track your progress.
Put it on your calendar: Schedule physical activity like any other important appointment. This signals to your brain that physical activity is a priority for you.
Make it fun: You’re much more likely to stick with something you enjoy. If you find your routine boring or cumbersome, try something new. You can also gamify your training with things like Pokémon GO or Just Dance.
Find a friend: Exercising with a friend can make things more exciting. Additionally, it is sometimes harder to break a commitment to someone else than to ourselves.
Remove barriers: Think about what really gets in the way of staying consistent. Then find ways to address those barriers. If you’re too tired at the end of the day, try working out in the morning instead. If you are intimidated by exercising in public places, exercise at home. Find options that best suit you and your needs.
Practice self-compassion: Just because you missed a few days—or even a few weeks—doesn’t mean you have to give up completely. Remember to acknowledge yourself for every step forward, no matter how small.
Reward yourself: Yes, sticking to your goals is its own reward, but a small gift is pretty good too. Rewarding yourself can also help with motivation. For example, when you’ve reached a running goal, maybe you could treat yourself to some fun new socks or new running shoes.
The hardest part about physical activity is usually getting started. Do your best to give yourself compassion as you move forward and reach out for support when you need it.
