Breaking Barriers

What drives the person who goes to the gym in the evening, or sits on a stationary cycle in the basement, or takes a walk outside? Does that individual has more motivation than you or I? Possibly, more willpower? Truthfully it is neither of those reasons. Usually, the only difference is that that person does not listen to the negative chatter that goes on in our brain. "I'm too tired". "It's been a long day". "I can wait till tomorrow”. These are the mental barriers that we put up that prevent us from moving.

Setting my alarm for 4.30 in the morning in order to get to swim practice must seem to many as a form of self-torture. Many mornings, it seems that way to me also. The only way I can conquer all the reasons I would prefer to stay in bed, is to simply not think. I have a routine. A very simple one. I must put my feet on the floor. If I don't, and lie in bed debating reasons to go or not go, the 'not go' will win out. Next I put on a kettle to warm water for coffee. My mind is blank. There is only one goal I have, and that's simply to get to the pool. Once there, and once swimming with my team mates the body and mind feel much much better. Invariably, my day also runs more smoothly, having begun it with some exercise.

The barriers we put in front of ourselves not to exercise are simply excuses. All of us know that if we do something, whether at 5.30 in the morning or 6.30 at night, we will feel better.

In a way, it's no different than refusing treats. (In reverse). You can't think, or debate, ‘should I, or shouldn't I': if there is the slightest pause, then we will have that unnecessary sugary or salty treat which does nothing for our health, and nothing at all for our weight. Don't think. Just be always prepared to say 'no thank you'.

I realize I make a lot of this sound simple, and I realize it's not. However, if we want to become healthier, or prevent long term chronic illness, there are a few basic things we must somehow incorporate into our busy stressful lives. There should never be a compromise on activity. We simply must do it, to maintain our muscle strength, our balance, and our ability to be able to move easily as we age.

It's the same with food. We are exposed to an abundance of food in our country and if we can stick to eating healthy foods, then we are likely to be able to control our weight and prevent the chronic diseases that are ravaging our population as we age (diabetes, coronary disease, osteoarthritis etc.). The unfortunate aspect of our society is that we also have an abundance of chips, chocolate, ice cream and sugary drinks, all of which raise our insulin levels and lead us to gain weight and increase our risk of disease. For all of these foods we must simply say "no". It takes time and emotional effort, but we must learn to stop our snacking.

Thus, for activity, don't listen to those negative thoughts. They are simply excuses to not get out of our comfort zone. Just open up the door and walk. Or, dust off that cycle in the basement, or treadmill or elliptical and start using it.

The same with food. Snacks especially. Do not listen to 'justifications' – It's been a long day, I'm tired, it's my down time. Just don't eat. Have a glass of tea or water instead. Preferably, escape the kitchen and go for a walk. Never, ever, snack in front of the T.V. Ever. This mindless eating is never out of hunger, it is the ingestion of empty calories (mainly sugar calories) that damage our long term health.

All of this becomes easier and easier the more you practice it. It becomes a new positive lifestyle.

Just keep trying, and don't ever give up!
Dr. Doug