Hi Moms,

The impact lockdown has had on people’s routines is immense,  some are using it as a well deserved break from work, education and exercise, and others are doing quite the opposite! It feels like we’re in an entirely different world, I’ve never seen so many people running, cycling and walking as I have these past months, but despite this new ‘trend’, I can’t help but think that when offices open back up and schools welcome the little ones at their gates; will this new found healthy lifestyle whittle away?

I myself have been taking part in running, walking, and the odd at home workout, but I fear that when I’m called back into work I won’t be able to find the time to continue these practices, even though I can see and feel the benefits that exercise has had on my body and mind.

So for my sake, and yours, I’ve taken some time to compile a few tips and tricks that will help you to maintain this lifestyle when the two worlds collide.

• Don’t think into it too much

If you find yourself the night before dreading to go for a run first thing then you’ll only programme your mind to hate exercise every single time. Exercise is hard, but its what makes it hard that also makes it so rewarding!

Changing your mindset takes time, I still catch myself saying ‘Forget it!’ on those mornings when I wake up and see its pouring it down and the whole world is still tucked up in bed. However, these times are when its more important than ever to put on those running shoes and head out that door, because every time you go against your natural instinct to avoid challenging yourself is every time you better yourself – it only gets easier from there!

Think of it this way, if you’ve gone out for a run in rain, snow, or even storms, then when its gorgeous outside you’ll not only have no excuse, but you’ll probably find yourself looking forward to going out.

• Include a friend

Inviting a friend to exercise with you make you accountable, meaning that because your partner is relying on you to turn up at a certain time, you’re more likely to actually follow through with exercising because if you don’t you not only let yourself down, you let your friend down…

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is so much easier with Goli Nutrition

…Of course, if its valuable excuse then I’m sure your friend will find that completely understandable, but by doing this tip it’ll stop you from avoiding exercise every couple of days.

• Be kind to yourself

You’ve probably heard the saying, ‘you are your biggest critic’, this is applicable to this point. You’re allowed to have rest days, you’re allowed to swap your run for a walk, or even take a week off. This is all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, not forcing one upon yourself.

A healthy lifestyle consists of when you listen to what your body is saying, if you have an ache or pain then allow that to be your main concern, not ‘loosing weight’. You body needs to rest and recover to show real results, so keep that in mind.

• Incorporate exercise into your established routine

I urge you to try and incorporate exercise into your already working routine, so that it doesn’t feel as though it imposing on your day. This can be done by waking up 20 minutes before your normally do, swapping out time that you would normally spend procrastinating on your phone or watching TV, or by being more efficient with your day so that you can squeeze some exercise in before bed…

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is so much easier with Goli Nutrition

…By doing this it helps to see exercise as an opportunity to reflect on your day ahead or your past week, a break from the hecticness of life.

• Reward yourself

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is all about finding a balance, you can’t achieve this if you’re stopping yourself from enjoying treats because then your mental state is a negative place. This process is all about bettering not only your body, but your mind because when the two are in sync you can be the best version of yourself.

So if you’re working hard, which I’m sure you are, then allow yourself to enjoy little things that bring you joy such as a glass of wine after a difficult day at work, or a takeaway when you can’t be bothered to cook! This all links into this idea of being ‘kind to yourself’.

• Set realistic goals

Bill Gates once said that we overestimate what we can do in a year but underestimate what we can do in 10 years, this can be applied to every scenario, especially one such as this…

…Your goals are completely specific to you so just because you may have heard of someone loosing a stone in a month or running a marathon in a year, doesn’t mean you have to expect that of yourself also. Your situation is completely unique and the juggling of work, education, and possibly children all come into play when it comes to setting your goals.

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