How to Motivate Yourself

I'm currently reading this great book (highly recommended) called Thinking Body, Dancing Mind. It is TaoSports for extraordinary performance in Athletics, Business, and Life. I love it. Anyway, there is a chapter called "Motivation" and it teaches you what it is and how to become motivated for anything in life, whether it be working out, playing sports, etc.

Motivation: result of LOVE for what you're doing. It is difficult to workout if you do not love it, but you can learn to love it and the benefits it affords.

Advice of TaoSports:
1) Notice! Ask yourself what you want and how you want it. For example, if you like solitude, perhaps walking or running would suit you. (Key is to know where you're going-to that which you love and value-and the path will become obvious.)

2) Do NOT become rigid with sports/workout schedule: Motivation has its seasons and you will experience down time here and there. Take time to "go with the flow of the low" periods of motivation. It's natural to lose it, but it will return with patience.

3) Have fun with what you do. Love it! Don't have a "work only" attitude. Reward yourself and change up the routine as well :)

4) "Whether pumping iron, doing laps, or hitting the ball, remember that there is a point of diminishing return. Excessive activity or practice is harmful when it causes burnout" (Huang & Lynch, 220).

5) TaoSports also teaches that failure and mistakes are lessons. Loss simply tells you how to reach greater heights.

Bottom line: Keep your perspective. Don't take yourself too seriously, lighten up and have fun! Tomorrow is always a new day :)

                                          

                                         Thinking Body, Dancing Mind

How Exercise Makes You Pretty

Beautiful ladies!

We all know that working out is good for your figure, but did you know that exercise is also good for your beauty? According to the wonderful site, Livestrong.com, exercise can have a huge impact on one's overall attractiveness. Let's break down a few of their major findings:

1) Bye bye wrinkles- Studies discovered that exercise enhances the circulation process and sends blood to your skin, preventing those dreadful wrinkles.

2) Sweating is good for skin & hair- Because sweat is released through pores, it cleans out dirts and oil that were clogged inside of them. Crazy, right? Sweat also contains a natural antibiotic that helps fight acne, believe it or not (remember to always wash your face after you workout). Want long, healthy hair? Working out also increases blood circulation to your scalp, which promotes that!

3) Workout glow- Exercising increases circulation and floods our skin with oxygen for a clearer complexion.

4) Reduce puffy eyes- When working out, it gets your lymphatic system going which can improve under eye puffiness and dark circles. Peace out puffy eyes!

Bottom line is, healthy IS beautiful! Moderate exercise contributes to a more attractive appearance and beauty. Also builds confidence and makes you happier!

So let's kick up the cardio and get fit & beautiful :)

Source: livestrong.com, laurenconrad.com, examiner.com