Monday Motivation-Be Nice to Yourself

In the healthy living and fitness communities you are always hearing the messages: make no excuses, get your workout done no matter what, and keep pushing yourself. I even come across these mantras on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest:  

   

Don't get me wrong, I love some tough love, and sometimes that motivation style is necessary to get you pumped up to get your workout in.  Sometimes though, you don't need to push yourself but rather need to take a step back and breathe.  

This week especially has been crazy busy with an anniversary dinner, midterms for my class, an impromptu concert on Friday, and a growing to-do list. Oh yeah, and I'm running another half marathon this weekend and another at the end of April so I should probably be running more. Whoops. 

 I think I got in three solid workouts last week. Instead of letting that stress me out, I went with it and felt at ease. My eating wasn't exactly on point with my big anniversary dinner, french fries & beer, oh and those braised short ribs I whipped up in the crockpot last night (amazing, I might add).  So what, that's what enjoying life is about for me. This week, I've got a fridge full of healthy snacks and lunches prepped.

 Last night I got dressed to go for a quick run, but honestly felt like crap. I meal prepped, cooked dinner, and got a bunch of work done instead.  After a busy few days of running and parties last weekend, my body probably needs some rest before continuing to be a running machine this upcoming weekend. 

I've had this image as the background on my phone since January after making my goals for the year and really like it's simple message. 

Being healthy is important, but for me that means staying stress-free and happy too. You're not going to eat 100% healthy or have 5-6 amazing workouts every week.  Sometimes it's easy to feel guilty or bad about yourself for not getting all you wanted accomplished.  A couple missed runs or extra desserts due to time with loved ones or random events is okay. I'm not saying I don't think it's good to try to squeeze in a quick workout and balance out your eating with some veggies, just don't let those things stress you out and listen to your body! I've learned I function better with a few rest days a week. Anyways,stress wreaks havoc on my body (and mind!). 

And you know what? Today I set my alarm, rocked a 6 AM 45-minute spin class at Rev Cycle Studios and went to Starbucks for a green juice (love that Sweet Green juice by Evolution!) and grande americano.  Seriously it's my first Monday morning workout since at least January, and felt awesome. 

So my Monday motivation for you today is to work hard,rest too, and be happy!