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Not exercising today? No worries.

Kelly Coffey
10 Comments

How to respond if you realize (GASP) you’re not exercising today.

Oh, look – you’re not working out. Big deal.

Before you slip further into your special blend of self-hating meanspeak and self-pity, I have a few suggestions:

1- If today’s not the day, let it not be the day.

Unless you’re being ordered by a doctor to “exercise now, or else,” 1 you don’t need to start the Couch to 5K today. Acknowledge that you’re not exercising right now – say so out loud – and then Let It Go. Put the FitBit away. Dismiss the calendar reminder to workout. Cut yourself some slack. Harping on the things you’re not doing will not motivate you to do them. I promise.

2- Use the time well.

You’ve decided that now is not the time to exercise. Congratulations! Go do something fun or productive with that time. 2 Play with makeup. Throw a bunch of clutter in the trash. Blast some tunes from High School. Email an old friend. Take a hot shower. Unapologetically stare at a wall. Prepare a delicious meal. Make out with someone special. Invite a friend to follow me on Facebook!

3- Remember that no time is wasted if you’re paying attention.

Even if we do nothing but play video games and eat ice cream, if we’re paying attention to how doing that makes us feel, our time has been well spent. When the aim is wellness, nothing is more valuable than the moments we spend cued in to how the body and mind respond to the actions we take. 3

Accept.
Carry on.
Pay attention.

Kisses!

Notes:

  1. And even, in some cases, if you are.
  2. Try not to squander this precious not-exercising time by worrying about work you need to do while not actually doing it. Trading one guilt trip for another is lame. You can do better than that.
  3. Or, as is the case today, the actions we don’t take.
Showing 10 comments
  • Bethany
    Reply

    I’ve only read two blogs and I love you already.

    • Coffey
      Reply

      Well, that’s the best introductory sentence ever. Hi right back at ya, Bethany.

  • JenniLynn
    Reply

    i think i love you.

    • Coffey
      Reply

      Don’t think. Just love.

  • Morgan
    Reply

    I think I love you too. When’s your book being published 🙂

    • Coffey
      Reply

      Really, with the thinking. Really.

  • Shayanne Davis
    Reply

    I know I love you. Lol. All your posts make me want to cry cause they hit home and you understand.

  • Mandie
    Reply

    Your blog is….amazing!

    My name is Mandie and I’m a sugar (CHOCOLATE!!) and pizza addict. I’m overweight by 170lbs, and I don’t feel like exercising today. But sitting here reading this blog made me feel well. I feel so well that I am going to do (not try) something new. Thank you 🙂

  • Nemi
    Reply

    Great post Coffey! I am a fat girl turned slim and fit, and the pressure to be fit and keep up with the ‘new me’ drives me crazy sometimes. I feel like I am falling off the band wagon on rest days even though I know it is good for me. The article has really been encouraging I’m gonna go have some fun!!! Love you Coffey!!

  • Katie
    Reply

    Great post!! I actually really enjoy my exercise (I walk every day and since I’m trying to lose about 60lbs, I try to walk twice a day). But, some days I just don’t feel like it. And literally the second, the second, my brain says “I’m tired, I’m just gonna go home, no walk this afternoon” the guilt starts. The telling myself I’m fat, and I’m gross and I’m lazy, etc. And that makes me kinda want a sugary snack; just to make myself feel better. Because I’m already not walking, might as well .
    Anyway, this post is awesome because 1) I totally needed a reminder that I’m not the fattest, laziest person in the world if I don’t feel like taking a walk once in a while and 2) because I also needed reminding that if I’m not going to exercise, I should use that time productively and not just going home and sit around loathing myself. So thank you, totally needed this wake-up call 🙂

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