I’ve really whacked up my workout routine recently. I’m finding that I’m really busy – busier than ever – in my working life – and I can get stressed at times. Actually, I don’t know if ‘stressed‘ is the word. It’s more about feeling overwhelmed. It’s that feeling you have when you have so much to do that you literally don’t know where to start so you just stare at the wall, or more specifically, do everything else possible to avoid everything else. I tend to find solace in simple tasks like laundry, reading other people’s content or busying myself with pointless tasks like deleting random newsletter spam or watching repeats of things I’ve already seen on Youtube.
My mind gets so busy that it becomes blank and when that happens, I cannot function. Working out has become my saviour. More specifically workout classes, where I have to focus on what I am being told to do in order to get it right so I don’t have time to start listing my to do’s in my head – or check my phone, which is what I used to do in the gym far too often. I don’t think about anything else, but getting through the workout. It also means that I get a much better workout, which makes me feel amazing.
The other side of my current workout plan is running. I am slowly getting better at running and becoming a runner for the time it gives me to think. Running gives me clarity. It makes me feel great. I love to pop on my running shoes, stick in my headphones and go. The weather is holding me back slightly, but even running in the rain feels great. It’s the greatest feeling of freedom. And I get all of my best ideas when I run. I just haven’t quite worked out how to write them all down when I’m out there!
I’m fitting in 5-6 full workouts a week at the moment (plus daily yoga sessions during January for #YWATrue) and I feel fantastic for it. Yes, my body is changing, but it’s not really about that at all. I have less anxiety, less stress. But most of all, I feel balanced. By working out in the morning, I feel accomplished even when I don’t feel like I get anything else done that day.
But having said that I’m definitely more productive. And I feel proud of myself. And that kind of confidence makes everything else in life easier. I totally recommend having another focus for working out other than losing weight. Just making it a part of my routine to keep me balanced has made me feel fantastic. I don’t even think about it anymore – I just go and do it. It seems Nike were on to something when they said that.
What’s your why for working out? Tell me in the comments below!
