Outofstress.com

The Power of Motivation

Why is it that we don’t often think about making small lifestyle changes until we start to feel the twinge of a bad consequence? It might not even occur to us to start exercising until after we’ve put on 10 pounds, and can’t fit into our clothes. We might not even consider taking yoga until we are really feeling the physical effects of our daily stress. (Many of us even wait until it is a full-blown, out-of-control irreversible condition of some sort.) Even when we know there are many comparably small, smart things we can do to improve our well-being, we don’t often do them. Things that are fairly painless, things we know are just good sense.

Our motivation needs to change. Our most primitive of brains just thinks for the moment, not seeing the long-term benefit of preventing heart disease, or unwanted pounds. I WANT UNHEALTY, FRIED, SUGARY SNACKS! NOW! It growls. We can choose to listen to it, which usually means giving in to it. Or we can choose to consider the ramifications in a more cerebral way. This allows us to stand up to the reptile in our heads. [Because really, his loudness is the best weapon he has against higher brain functions]. When we are able to reason, we realize that we are not as FAMISHED as we think we are. Even if we are, we can consider healthier options.

Denise is dealing with this right now. She has a fast-paced lifestyle that isn’t always conducive to exercising; and food is often just a matter of grabbing what’s available. It wasn’t until a high cholesterol reading and some extra pounds around the middle scared her enough to make some changes. She is now willing to do whatever it takes to get back to a healthier routine. Her motivation led her to join a local fitness   center. Does she always want to spend a half-hour exercising? Probably not, but she knows it is a short amount of time compared to the sickly life that awaits her should she not make these changes. She knows it will benefit her in the long run.

Since we often associate good things with dull motivations, if we can spruce up the package a little, it will do a world of good. For instance, instead of [in a droning voice], I really should this spinach instead of these fries, think, I’ll make a colorful spinach salad with yummy toppings because it will make me feel better NOW! (and the fact that it will make you feel better in the long run also is a bonus!)

About Brooke: Brooke is the author of Reptiles on Caffeine, a humorous and practical look at the fight or flight stress response. She spends her free time perfecting her downward dog and people watching. But not at the same time.  You can visit her blog at reptilianrantings.blogspot.com