Feeling depressed is an awful feeling. It compromises your mood, decreases your appetite, and once it’s there, you can’t seem to shake it off. The worst part about feeling depressed is that you can’t seem to get motivated to do something you know will help, such as exercise.
The last thing we want to do is move, yet it’s one of the best things for you. So how do you motivate yourself? How can you make it a healthy addition, rather than a chore to get through?
Keep reading to learn how to motivate yourself to workout when depressed.
Reframe Your Thinking to Inspire Yourself to Workout
Instead of imagining how hard it will be to get to the gym, focus on the positive benefits that come with a regular exercise routine. Remember how physical activity can help to reduce tension and boost mood-enhancing endorphins. Approach the activity with positivity before you start.
Set Realistic Goals
When trying to motivate yourself to workout when you’re feeling depressed, it’s important to set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much at once or it can be overwhelming and prevent action.
Start small, take a 15-minute walk around the neighborhood, stretch, and look at workout videos online. Schedule workouts ahead of time, and make them a part of your routine. Challenge yourself with small goals and increase intensity as you become more comfortable.
Choose Activities That You Enjoy
The key to finding motivation is to choose activities that you enjoy. Try to think about exercises or activities that you used to find enjoyable before your depression set in. It could be anything from running in the park to going for a swim because the best exercises are the ones that you enjoy.
Find a Friend or Group to Support You
Having a friend to offer moral support will help you stick to your exercise routine even when you don’t feel up to it. Additionally, attending a group class allows you to be surrounded by people facing the same challenge as you. It creates a sense of camaraderie and accountability to keep you motivated.
Having a group of supporters will also likely motivate you to try certain exercises or activities you wouldn’t attempt alone. You can even find speakers for self help inner potential together to help you all get through a workout. This can lead to feelings of progress and confidence, which can help overcome depression.
Celebrate the Small Victories During Your Workout
Celebrate the small victories during your workout. Reward yourself by doing even the smallest tasks, like when you get dressed in your workout clothes or when you start your workout.
Remember, even if a workout session may not feel as productive as you wanted, you still took a small step and made progress. This can help you stay motivated and build consistency to achieve your goals.
Follow Our Guide on How to Motivate Yourself to Workout When Depressed
Working out when depressed isn’t easy, but it can be extremely beneficial for both your body and mind. Taking small steps and setting realistic goals will help to create an achievable plan to help you succeed. Then rewarding yourself for even the smallest victories is how to motivate yourself to workout when depressed.
You can do it. Follow these tips for working out and hop into a workout today!
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