Some people actually like carrots, but I don't have to.

The traditional image for motivational methods is the carrot and the stick.  Despite the fact that I actually detest carrots, my preference is for reward-based motivations.  Here is a list of possible carrots to offer ourselves when we complete a fitness goal, big or small:

• Watery things.  Some of us like baths.  Hot showers are also nice.  Hot tubs are even better.  Dipping our toes in the ocean takes everything up a notch.  One of the things I like about swimming is that the reward is built right in—I’m in the water!!!!

• Sweet things.  Probably not cake, sorry.  (Not that I have anything against cake!  I love cake!  We just need to save cake for special occasions, not fitness rewards.)  I’m thinking of things like long hugs and walks in the moonlight.  Maybe coffee with an old friend or a coloring session with a little kid.  Things that make us feel connected and loved—those are the kind of sweet things that feed us more deeply.

• Silly things.  Watch that goofball comedy.  Dance around the kitchen with the cat.  Try on five outrageous hats at the store.  Paint your toenails in rainbows.  If it makes you laugh, it’s a reward.

• Creative things.  Take photos.  Arrange flowers.  Try Sri Lankan cooking (which is truly delicious, by the way…).  Go dance to a local band.  And hey, it will help get the brains working to think up even more fabulous rewards!

Life Intervals

Last week was stressful for me for a variety of reasons.  And, because I’m really good at stress, I added more to myself because I was feeling the stress.  Which, of course, impacted my ability to Get Stuff Done, so I had to beat myself up about that.  I know I am not the only person who has this cycle.

The good news is that I eventually figured out that I was in the lather-rinse-repeat of stress and self-loathing.  The better news is that I had a weekend to break out of it.  I slept.  I read stuff that was entirely fluffy and entertaining.  I put noodles in my chicken soup instead of rice.  I got a massage.

The world is not better as a result.  I am not stronger or faster.  But I rested and relaxed, so that this week I can triumph.

It’s like interval training for life—we make more progress if we let ourselves recover from time to time.

Sometimes we don't

We often think of fitness as things we do.  Yes, of course we run/walk/bike/swim.  We add in some weights.  We don’t forget to stretch.  We eat those leafy greens and drink that water.

Sometimes fitness is things we don’t do.

Sometimes, not always, but sometimes, fitness is taking a day of rest.  Sometimes it is squeezing in a massage rather than a workout.  Sometimes it’s about signing off from the computer and talking to people in real life.

What are we going to skip today to be more fit?