Motion for Mood

Get moving and get those endorphins pumping through your system. I love going for walks through nature, whether it’s in the bush or across the beach. There’s just something about being outdoors that lifts my mood.

Focus On a Hobby

Spend more time doing what you love. It seems pretty straight forward, right? Doing something you love is going to make you feel better. If you feel like you don’t really have a hobby, try doing something new. There are so many things to try, and it’s not too late to get started!

Listen to Upbeat Music

You might be tempted to listen to depressing music when you’re in a funk. Instead put on happy or upbeat music to elevate your mood. It’s called feel good music for a reason.

Take Care of Yourself

Think about whether you’re getting enough sleep, eating well and taking your vitamins. Get out of your pyjamas, make a nutritious meal, put on an outfit that makes you look GREAT and go out with a friend.

Spend Time with Friends and Family

As I touched on above, spend time with your loved ones. They are your biggest support system. Don’t bottle up your thoughts to fester, talk about your problems and how you’re feeling. Often their advice can help give you some perspective and get you out of your funk!

Be Present

“If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.” – Lao Tzu

We can’t change the past, and we can’t predict the future. The one thing we can control is what we are doing now. Take responsibility for your happiness and take actions that make you happy in the present.

Let Yourself Off the Hook

You might not have ticked everything off your to-do list, or you might have royally messed up. So, what? We all make mistakes and we need to learn from them, forgive ourselves and realise it doesn’t make us bad people. In fact, mistakes allow us to learn and grow. So, stop punishing yourself and go watch a funny movie and laugh until your jaw hurts (the right kind of pain).

Often we get into a funk when we’re moving on from a chapter in our lives, like leaving school, changing jobs or even going through a break-up. Change can be really hard, but keep trucking along and learn to enjoy this new chapter in your life. After all, it would get pretty boring reading the same chapter over and over again.

Written by Monique Sparks

Marketing Assistant – USANA NZ

The post How to Get Out of a Funk: Seven Steps appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

It’s true, your life is busy. But by making exercise a priority, you can find time for it. Schedule your workout in for first thing in the morning, so that life doesn’t get in the way or wake up a little earlier to squeeze it in. Otherwise, take a power walk in your work break, or incorporate it into your daily commute to work or where ever you’re usually travelling.

2. I hate going alone.

Find a work-out buddy! I promise that you won’t be the only one wanting to work-out, and your future fitness friend will probably be really flattered that you’ve asked (and grateful that they aren’t all on their own either)!

3. My kids get in the way.

Wake up before your kids get up and workout. It might not sound appealing to you, but many parents say that this is the best time they’ve found to get alone time and work uninterruptedly on their fitness.

Alternatively, you could workout with your kids. While they’re playing do some laps around the park… or even play with them. You’re never too old for biking, hiking and playing games.

4. It’s boring.

So, perhaps an hour on the treadmill isn’t for you? It’s not for me either! But let me tell you a little secret… There are so many ways to exercise, so you don’t have to restrict yourself to the treadmill!

Find an activity that you find fun! I’ve never seen anyone leaving a Zumba class looking bored, just sayin’. You could try adult gymnastics (yes, it’s a thing, get excited), biking, boxing, cycling, dancing, ice-skating, playground climbing, rock climbing, rollerblading, swimming, skiing, surfing… *deep inhale*… I think you get the point. Find your fun workout and make everyone envious.

5. I’m too fat.

It’s never too late to change your lifestyle, and remember small progress is always better than no progress. Start gradually with a low impact activity, such as walking or swimming, and just keep at it! We’re backing you 100%.

6. I’m already thin.

You’re outside looks healthy, but you want your insides to look healthy too. Being thin, doesn’t automatically equate to healthy. You’re not exercising to lose weight, but make sure you set clear goals for yourself to keep you motivated, such as running 5k or toning up!

7. My back hurts.

Back pain is the worst, but don’t take to bed, get active about your problem. Speak to your doctor or medical professional about stretches and exercises you can do to help with your back pain. Exercise can even help treat or prevent lower back pain. ¹

Bonus Tip!

Fitness apps can be a great way to get motivated and set goals, especially if you’re just getting started on your health journey. Our USANA pals in America compiled a list of favourite apps including MyFitnessPal, Sworkit, Couch to 5k, and Zombie, Run! Head over and read more about these by clicking here.

So, ditch the excuses! Make it a priority, make it fun, and get out there.

Written by Monique Sparks

The post 7 Exercise Excuses You Need to Stop Making appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.