“I don’t feel like it” – Read this!

Break the bigger picture down into smaller intentions. How can you turn your goals into small, manageable action steps? I.e., today I will eat 3 portions of vegetables and do a 30 minute walk outside at 2pm.

Alongside other self-care activities, think of exercise as part of adult playtime. Your workout is a chance to relax and escape from daily life and do something solely for you.

Enlist support from people around you. Communicate with friends and family about what you’re working towards – their support can be really motivating. They may also help you with accountability or have tips and tricks that have worked for them. Additionally, they may want to join in! Combining exercising with socialising is also a great way to feel motivated as it is usually more enjoyable.

Set yourself small rewards along the way. For example, a hot bath and an at‑home spa treatment after a week of good workouts. Motivating yourself with an external reward is powerful because your brain can actually latch onto the idea that you are going to get something immediately in return for your hard work.

Choose a physical activity that brings joy. It shouldn’t be a chore or a punishment, but something that makes you feel good. Again, bear in mind that even when you find something you enjoy, you may not want to do it every day and that is OK.

Work on your reasons to exercise and eat well. Write down and reflect on how regular movement and nourishing food makes you feel mentally and physically. Keep adding to the list and when motivation is low, go and read it as a reminder!