My husband and I would normally be doing some sort of physical activity everyday. However for the past few months my husband has been injured and my pregnancy has taken its toll. I have noticed that we have both turned to sugar and become a little irritable, more specifically at his growing waist line and my ever widening backside! What is comes down to is mental attitude. After a coaching conversation between the two of us, here are some psychological top tips to get out the funk when you can't do the level of normal activity you would like to do:
1. Visualise being back to full health. It amazing how that can lift ones mood, especially if you have an idea of what your back to health time line is. 2. Honour your feelings. Recognise that you don't feel great but DO NOT beat yourself up and through visualisation and being optimistic you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. 3. Re-visit your goals. Set smaller, more achievable ones which motive you and not discourage you. 4. Take control - injuries can be so frustrating as they can make you feel powerless, it doesn't have to be that way. Find the exercises you can do and DO NOT reach for that piece of cake. Is not going to make you feel better, you are going to make you feel better for you. 5. Finally it is important to know that this period in your life WILL PASS.
When I used to compete as an amateur boxer One year I badly damaged my right hand, meaning I could not throw it, nor could I even really use it.
Instead of letting it put me down or being an excuse not to exercise, I decided to work on what was still in my control, which was my left hand (my jab) and my footwork.
My jab and my footwork ultimately became the things that set me apart in competition, and made me a dangerous fighter. I have that injury to my hand to thank for it.
When I used to compete as an amateur boxer One year I badly damaged my right hand, meaning I could not throw it, nor could I even really use it.
Instead of letting it put me down or being an excuse not to exercise, I decided to work on what was still in my control, which was my left hand (my jab) and my footwork.
My jab and my footwork ultimately became the things that set me apart in competition, and made me a dangerous fighter. I have that injury to my hand to thank for it.
Society teaches us that we constantly need to get better at what we do, who we are, how we react / behave. The problem with better is better is about the future. You can’t get better now. But performance, everything that you do, you do in the now. You do in the present moment. That is the difference in mind set of a true champion / leader v's everyone else.
Given my plodding status my just 3 year old and 4 year old joined me on my 'plod' this morning. While I loved every second of it, it broke my heart. This is my beloved father. He and I would run together whenever and wherever we were in the world together. It bonded us like glue and for that I will be forever thankful. You don't need to always talk to bond with someone special. Sport is great proof of that.....
The Japanese art of kintsugi is the mindset of not dwelling on something that’s broken, repair it and make it something new again. In todays tough and strange world I feel this is very pertinent. The philosophy underneath that is about celebrating your hardships, about understanding that the things that break you can actually have you coming out the other side stronger, can actually have you coming out the other side more resilient, a better version of you. So, take time to learn from your physical injuries..... I feel an article coming up!!
2 incredible sports psychologists, Jenna Woolven and Alison Maitland are launching a series of 8 virtual workshops to take you on a journey of self discovery to help you make improvements on your sporting capabilities.
Just back from my 2nd 'plod' of the week. I say plod as I am nearly 16 weeks pregnant with number 3. Energy not where it should be, starchy carbs are now my best friend and sickness still lingering, but I still benefit mentally and physically from being out in the fresh air and moving my body (all be it slowly!). If I can do it, anyone can!
It’s great that you’re out moving around regardless Heidi, I’m struggling with knee pain at the moment, it sucks, but you’ve inspired me to keep looking for my ‘injury movement’!!
Damien Dau - it's hard to tell, we've had a cold snap so it could be arthritic maybe? I had one knee seize up pretty badly, then loosen over the course of 4 or 5 days, then the other one started getting really sharp pain, I don't know man, we're going for a pretty shilled walk today to see how it goes...
It’s great that you’re out moving around regardless Heidi, I’m struggling with knee pain at the moment, it sucks, but you’ve inspired me to keep looking for my ‘injury movement’!!
Damien Dau - it's hard to tell, we've had a cold snap so it could be arthritic maybe? I had one knee seize up pretty badly, then loosen over the course of 4 or 5 days, then the other one started getting really sharp pain, I don't know man, we're going for a pretty shilled walk today to see how it goes...
Great advice and likely needed by plenty of people right about now!
Love this Heidi and it's actually quite pertinent in our house right now! Sarah Archer - some nice advice worth checking out.
When I used to compete as an amateur boxer One year I badly damaged my right hand, meaning I could not throw it, nor could I even really use it.
Instead of letting it put me down or being an excuse not to exercise, I decided to work on what was still in my control, which was my left hand (my jab) and my footwork.
My jab and my footwork ultimately became the things that set me apart in competition, and made me a dangerous fighter. I have that injury to my hand to thank for it.
That's rad Trent Allan , thanks for sharing.
Great advice Heidi....I am working on ALL of your tips since my surgery.