Fall Back

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the song associated with September and back to school time.  As a school Principal, I am blessed that in September my empty building once again is filled with the joyful sounds of children.  Those empty halls will be bustling again with the business of learning.

Unfortunately, another change to come is the amount of daylight I’ll have.  Soon my morning runs will be devoid of light and drowning in darkness.  Not much that can be done to change that.  In the past  I would very shortly begin skipping my workouts and huddling under those warm covers promising to workout after work.    But, alas that workout never seemed to happen.  Just because summer is over doesn’t mean my active lifestyle has to end.  It truly doesn’t have to be that way.

Make a pact today with yourself that you will continue on this journey.  I have already done so.  Don’t let those excuses creep back in and sidetrack you.   You know the excuses well, as do I.  Let’s take a look at the biggest ones and set up a plan to offset them.

First, I don’t have time anymore now that I’m back in a full schedule.  Well, there are 168 hours in a week.  You work 40 and sleep an average of 56, if you’re lucky.    That leaves about 72 hours.  Now, is it really true you have no time to keep exercising?   I work out at least one hour a day six days a week.  That’s only 6 hours a week minimum, which leaves me with 66 glorious hours to do whatever I want or need to do.

The second and probably the most common excuse is, I don’t have the energy to workout.   Well, first of all working out increases your energy levels so please don’t quit or you’ll have even less!

The absolute best way to offset both of these excuses is to do your workouts first thing in the morning.  This truly works, trust me.  Your energy levels are at their highest in the morning, especially if you’ve slept well (I wish).  You’ll feel energized to face your day and you won’t be drained from a full day of work.  Anytime I tried to workout after work it just didn’t happen.  I was way too tired and just wanted to get home to eat and relax.   Put your workout on your calendar and set that alarm.   After the first three weeks it will be your new habit.

I workout every morning by myself.  It’s a habit I will not give up.  I’m not going to lie and say it’s always easy.  It’s a commitment to myself that I’ve made.  With the dark mornings and possible bad weather coming I will double down my efforts to stay on track.   I hope you’ll do the same.

Author: Laura Kump

I'm on a mission to reclaim my health. Life and a high stress job led me to forming many unhealthy habits, leaving me living in fear for my future self. Using a science based plan, I made small changes that have helped me achieve better health and fitness and put me on the path to meet my goals. As a certified health coach, I make healthy living accessible for all by keeping it simple. Many times health can feel overly complicated, but I've found ways to show people that small targeted changes can empower them to live healthier lifestyles. For instance, traffic light eating can totally change your lives. Knowledge is a super power and I look forward to sharing it with you. View all posts by Laura Kump