Being active and staying motivated can be a challenge, especially in today’s world of social media distractions, work commitments, and family responsibilities. Getting caught up in everyday life is easy, but making time for activities that will keep you healthy and happy is crucial. If you’re struggling to stay motivated, here are essential tips to help you be more active and get the most out of your physical activities.
Set achievable goals
Setting small, achievable goals can help you stay on track with your health journey. According to a study by psychologist Gail Matthews, participants who wrote down their goals and made plans to achieve them were 33% more successful than those who didn’t. Setting small, achievable goals helps you stay focused and motivated to reach your final goal.
So, try setting realistic daily or weekly targets; this could be anything from taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a 20-minute walk after dinner. Once you have achieved your goals, celebrate them. This will provide an incentive to continue setting more ambitious goals as you progress.
But maintaining realistic expectations is key; setting too high goals can be disheartening, so don’t forget to take small steps and recognize your progress along the way. In doing so, you’ll see how far you have come and stay motivated to keep going.
Find activities that suit you
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to physical activity. Not everyone enjoys the gym or running, and that’s fine. Instead of forcing yourself to stick with something you don’t want, find what works for you and fits into your lifestyle.
If running isn’t your thing, try swimming or cycling; if yoga isn’t your cup of tea, then maybe Zumba or a HIIT class might be more suited to your needs. You don’t necessarily need to join a gym either — there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking or kayaking, which can be just as effective at keeping you active and motivated.
By prioritizing activities that suit you, it will be easier to stay motivated and make time for them in your schedule. Thus, find your niche and work around that.
Track your progress
Your progress is vital when it comes to staying motivated. Seeing the results of all the hard work you put in can provide a massive boost of motivation. So, make sure to track your progress, whatever that may be.
If you’re focusing on a certain goal, such as losing weight or gaining muscle, weigh yourself every few weeks and take progress photos to see the difference. On the other hand, if you’re focusing on improving your endurance or strength, record how much weight you’re lifting and how long it takes you to complete a certain distance.
Having these records on hand will help you stay motivated and give you tangible proof of how far you’ve come.
Team up with friends
Working out with friends makes physical fitness enjoyable. In fact, significant research has found people who work out in groups have higher retention rates and are more likely to stick with a routine.
Find someone with similar fitness goals as yourself and make working out a social event — take turns planning workouts, so everyone gets involved in the process and keeps each other accountable. Plus, having someone else will make it easier to push yourself further than if you were exercising alone.
But that doesn’t mean you have to work out with your friends all the time; even the occasional group run or boot camp class is enough to keep you motivated. Nonetheless, having a support system around you will make it easier to stay on track and keep active.
Be proud of what you’ve achieved
No matter how small your progress may seem, take a moment to be proud of what you’ve achieved. Whether it is going for a run or lifting heavier weights, those small accomplishments are worth celebrating.
Especially today, many apps allow you to track your activity and share it with friends, creating a sense of competition — another great way to keep yourself motivated. You can also share before and after photos, inspiring others to stay active and join your journey. Investing in premium wide-angle phone lenses can help you capture better images with more visuals and less stress.
Moreover, it is important to treat yourself every once in a while. Remember that physical activity should be fun and satisfying, not a chore. So take some time to pat yourself on the back and recognize your improvement. The more you celebrate your achievements, the easier it will be to stay motivated and push yourself further.
Overall, staying active and motivated requires dedication, but it doesn’t have to be an impossible task. By taking small steps towards your goal, finding activities that you enjoy, and tracking your progress, it will be easier to stay motivated and make physical fitness a habit.