I was relatively lazy last semester, AKA the half year that came after college graduation. Aside from daily yoga (which I had regarded as more for my mental health than my physical), I didn’t go to the gym all that much.

And I think that’s okay, because I sort of needed it. While sure, it would feel much better physically now if I had been moving more… I think that my mind and body needed a break from the constant go go go of college, stress of the pandemic, and fear of the unknown future.

So, I forgive myself.

Inspired by the new year, my goals for self improvement and self care, and my desire to stay busy throughout the day… I put an end to my laziness. 

I just know that whenever I am moving, I feel better. I have made some new totally bangin’ playlists, and even started bringing a book for when I do cardio. I’m doing daily morning yoga, lifting when it feels good, and cardio afterwards.

This time I am focusing more on how good it feels to move and get that boost of adrenaline. How good it feels to do the rest of my work/chores for the day after I move.

I am using the breath work (pranayama) from my yoga practice to fuel movement. For example, during bench press: inhaling big and bracing to prepare and bring the bar down, and exhaling the bar back up. 

I am caring less about the daily PR or strict rules. The constant need to improve from last session gets exhausting and for me, always has an expiration date. It totally ruins my drive after a while.

Rather, my goal is to make movement more easeful and enjoyable. Remembering that it’s better for me to move a little, than to expect a lot and then let my worries overcome me and then not move at all. 

Doing the extra set to challenge yourself and out of curiosity: can I do 8 more reps? Also knowing that it is perfectly fine (and not morally wrong) to skip a set if I’m totally miserable. 

This time I am also supporting the movement with a healthy, protein and nutrient focused diet. Eating enough, but not to excess. Hydrating enough throughout the day (which has always been so difficult for me). Sleeping enough. Meditation and journaling. 

Focusing on the enjoyment rather than perfection is something that I would like to apply to other aspects of my life as well. I guess in that aspect, life is like your exercise routine. If you’re not enjoying it, why do it??