Take a Break or Power Through?

Watching The Biggest Loser (one of my boyfriend and my favorite shows), you see the trainers pushing and pushing until some contestants are actually throwing up and fainting. Now I am all for powering through when a goal is something I need to reach to benefit my health and keep me here on my journey longer. But, when do know we are pushing too hard? How do we know if this is actually a mental block keeping us from moving forward or our body saying, "STOP!" 

Yesterday I worked out very hard at the gym. I increased the weight on all my exercises and did over an hour and a half of cardio. Then last night I had a rough time sleeping. This morning I felt like I was hit by a bus. Once I woke up a bit I didn't feel as badly but still my motivation was a big fat zero. Do I push myself to go running today? Do I walk instead? Or do I just not push myself at all? I know it is important to rest and most who know me can see resting is not my favorite thing. But there does come a time when you have to. Today I am not going out of my way to workout. Seriously, between taking care of my son who is home with a migraine, doing laundry, and grocery shopping my FitBit (digital pedometer) says I have already done 20 flights of stairs and 5,517 steps for the day and it is only 12:42. Although my goal is 10,000 steps a day, my average is 14,000. I think I can rest. This is not a mental block for me. My body needs it.

I believe a big reason why we attract colds, back pain, headaches, etc is so that our body does rest. It is our spirits way of saying, "Ok, she won't take a minute out of her schedule to relax so I am going to make her sick or hurt so that she has to." I have seen this pattern with so many people including myself. Knowing I am a very busy person I affirm daily, "I am thankful for my perfect health." So far it has been over 4 years since I have had any illness other than a cold. But I do believe I now know how to listen to my body. 

When you are at the gym and pushing to get through your workout is it because you just don't feel like it or are you seriously in need of a break? Think about how much water and protein you have been consuming. How about sugar? If you are consuming too much sugar, you could be crashing. The same goes for caffeine. 

On my journey, water has become the drink of champions. It is the only thing that hydrates which has NOTHING in it. I have stopped the caffeine and changed over to organic, caffeine free (hot) tea which I have in place of my coffee. I watch my carbs and sugar intake. I have also switched to organic fruits and veggies and lots more of them. Going to bed on a schedule helps too. Thankfully never smoking or drinking alcohol is very beneficial to my spirit feeling more energized. I try to be asleep by 11 (doesn't always happen) and get up every morning at 7am. 

Learn about yourself and what your body needs. If it needs to rest, then rest. And, don't beat yourself up about it. We are all different so what works for me may not work for you. That is why it is very important to know yourself. If you have a habit of starting something that you never finish then it is time to get your head out of the way and push yourself to accomplish that goal. Remember it takes 21 days to form a new habit. And there is a quote that may help you stay motivated: "If it's important to you, you'll find a way. If it's not, you'll find an excuse." 

There should be an equal balance between rest and being busy (or exercising). Although I am a lot better I still have to learn to rest without feeling like I should be doing something all the time. Stay healthy and listen to your body (not necessarily your head). :) 

God bless! 
Amy