Overcome Laziness: Techniques to Love Daily Physical Activity

October 15, 2024

Who hasn’t promised themselves they would start doing physical activity, only to find themselves procrastinating and letting laziness take over?

Lack of motivation and inertia are common obstacles many people face when taking the first steps towards an active lifestyle.

However, the good news is that there are effective psychological techniques to transform a negative approach to exercise into a pleasant and rewarding habit.

Identify Mental Barriers

The first step is understanding what is holding you back, beyond laziness.

Do you think the workout will be boring? Are you afraid of failing or getting hurt? Or do you simply lack the time?

Reflect on these thoughts and try to understand where they come from: once you’ve identified your blocks, you can start to address them.

Set Realistic Goals in Physical Activity

Don’t start with impossible goals that will demotivate you immediately: don’t aim to run a marathon if you’ve never run before.

Instead, outline small, concrete, and realistic goals that you can gradually increase over time.

Instead of vaguely proposing to “exercise more,” for example, set out to “walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.”

This precision will eliminate ambiguity and provide clear and decisive support for your commitment.

Choose an Activity You Enjoy

Physical activity should not be a punishment, nor should it be seen as a duty.

If you don’t like running, why not try swimming, cycling, or yoga?

There are endless possibilities, don’t limit yourself and find the right one for you.

In fact, practicing a sport we like makes us more consistent and involved.

Leverage the Power of Habits in Physical Activity

The best way to turn exercise into a habit is to make it part of your daily routine.

If you drink coffee in the morning, for example, you can pair this ritual with a walk.

This concept, known as habit stacking, involves linking a new habit to an existing one, reducing mental resistance.

Scheduling your workout as if it were any other important appointment can also be helpful.

At first, you might have to force yourself a bit, but over time, it will become a natural part of your day.

Find a Workout Buddy

Finally, research shows that having a workout buddy solidifies the frequency of activity and makes the experience more enjoyable.

Having a commitment to someone makes you feel more responsible and motivated.

Exercising with a friend or family member can be a great way to have fun, encourage each other, and support each other.

Don’t Give Up

There will be days when you won’t feel like, or be in the mood, to train, and laziness will take over: it’s normal.

In those moments, remember your goals and focus on the benefits of physical activity, don’t get discouraged and start again the next day.

The first step is often the hardest, but with determination and the right strategies, each subsequent step will become easier.

If you’d like a free consultation to discover what kind of sponsorship might suit you, contact us. We’re waiting for you!