Working out is often seen as the ultimate mood booster, but getting up and moving can be one of the biggest challenges when you’re dealing with depression. However, physical activity can play an important role in reducing symptoms of depression. Here are some tips on how to motivate yourself to workout even when you’re feeling low:
Set Small Goals
Start by setting small, achievable goals that can help build momentum in your workout routine. This could be anything from doing a few minutes of stretching every morning or spending 10-15 minutes jogging every day. Small victories like these can give you an added boost and help keep you motivated.
Schedule It In
Write out all your workouts for the week ahead and commit to them! Put it in your calendar just like any other appointment, so that it feels like a priority – not just something that’s “on the back burner”. You don’t have to stick to an exact plan if circumstances change, but having a loose schedule can help keep you accountable and motivated.
Find Your Own Flow
Find what works best for you – walking may be more calming than running; yoga might be more invigorating than Pilates; lifting weights instead of using a machine might make exercise more enjoyable for you…the list goes on! Don’t feel pressured into doing something “just because everyone else does it”– find what works for YOU and make it fun!
Reward Yourself
Rewarding yourself after completing each workout is a great way to stay motivated when things start feeling monotonous or overwhelming. This reward doesn’t have to take the form of food – try going for a massage or buying yourself something special as little treats throughout your fitness journey.
Depression can weigh heavily on our minds, making exercise seem daunting and unappealing at times – but remember that working out releases endorphins which helps improve our mental state! Start small and eventually working out will become part of your daily routine – think positively and get those dopamine levels rising 😉
