One Breath Away From Burnout - A Bored Body

One Breath Away from Burnout - A Bored Body

“WHEN THE OXYGEN masks drop from the overhead compartment, pull firmly and secure the mask over your nose and mouth first; then assist children and those around you.” Do you think this is a self-centered act? No, of course not. We all know that in a case of airline emergency, we must ensure we receive oxygen so we can care for those who depend on us. So why don’t we apply this same thinking when it comes to our health and fitness?

We’re only about eight weeks into the new year, and I’ll bet you a dollar to a salmon sushi roll that you’ve already given up on your “healthier you” resolution. I have a proven theory (or at least I’ve proved it to myself) that we’re not burned out with sweating; the driving force behind our burnout with our fitness and healthy eating habits is time. We don’t have time to go to a gym. We don’t have time to invest in learning more about health or fitness. And we don’t have time to make stir-fry tofu (even if we like it). Our time crunch causes us to sacrifice ourselves, leaving our bodies bored, begging for some attention.

If you’re suffering from workout burnout, I’d like to share with you seven quick tips (three today, four tomorrow) to get you back on track—because you, my girlfriends, are important. And important people must stay fit in order to care for all the people who depend on them. Let’s start with tip number one:

1. If you can’t work a thirty-minute walk into your day, walk ten minutes, three times a day. This slight change could help you get back on track, and soon you’ll feel so good you’ll be “making” time for that thirty-minute walk.

2. Load new tunes on your iPod or Nano every four to six weeks because boredom can set in quickly. What’s new on my iPod this month? Shelby Lynne. Her music is snappy and fun—“Restless,” “10 Rocks,” and “Don’t Mind If I Do” are a few of my favorites.

3. Once you get the walking down, alternate a slow one-minute jog with a brisk one-minute walk. Before you know it, you’ll be ready for the Boston Marathon. (Well, maybe not—but you’ll feel better.)

Work brings profit,but mere talk leads to poverty! (Proverbs 14:23)

Okay. Stop talking about it. Put on your sneakers. At least it’s a start.