Staying Motivated for the Long Haul

Posted by LindaF @fessmom, Jun 29, 2017

My biggest obstacle to maintaining a healthy weight is a seemingly invisible "switch" that goes on and off in my brain. When it's "on" I am in the zone and can avoid the most decadent temptations and will exercise faithfully. But, about a year to 15 months into my healthy lifestyle, the switch turns to "off" and I lose focus and revert to my bad habits of poor food choices (both in what I eat and how much I eat) and I become more sedentary. I am at that point now and I feel a slow panic building as the number on the scale inches upward. I know what I should do, but I am at a loss as to how to get my mojo back. Suggestions, anyone!?

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@hopeful33250

Hello @parus and @contentandwell

There is another Youtube exercise video that is also short in length and fun, it is T-Tapp. Take a look at it when you have a moment. I heard about it from another member on Mayo Connect.

Teresa

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I also am interested in Tai Chi. I bought videos to learn and follow just before everything changed to dvds. lol Now I chafe at the thought of videos and am looking for a book with simple instructions and pictures of the poses to get restarted. I really wish it was offered in my community.

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@2011panc Thank you for your input. I am not nearly so dedicated in researching watts as you. Incandescent is my preference when referring to watts as they do give off some heat. As to researching what watt I need-narian. No need to read labels on foods either as I only consume fresh food and if there are more than 4 numbers on the bar code do not touch the stuff! Your brightness is very enlightening. Thanks you. I also paint, but watercolors. Those wall painting days are long gone. Apartment beige is just fine.

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@parus

@hopeful33250 I like these videos as I have found them to helpful for someone with the attention span of a gnat. It can motivate me to move-sometimes. Currently nothing is working. Surely it is the weather-please, allow it to be the weather!! -12 here this morn.

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Count me in the boat @hopeful33250, this weather is affecting my mood and motivation as well. The arthritis in my joints is inflamed from the weather and I have found it near impossible the last two weeks to get myself to the gym as a result. The thaw is coming this week I think, so hopefully that helps us all a little bit.

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@parus, I have noticed that you make frequent changes with your member photo. I also just read in your latest response that you paint with watercolors. Is there a connection?
Just curious, Rosemary

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@parus

@hopeful33250 I like these videos as I have found them to helpful for someone with the attention span of a gnat. It can motivate me to move-sometimes. Currently nothing is working. Surely it is the weather-please, allow it to be the weather!! -12 here this morn.

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@JustinMcClanahan

Yes, I think we are all waiting for a thaw! Teresa

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@rosemarya Guess I do so because it is one of the few choices I can make for myself. Doing watercolors has not a thing to do with the change. If this is inappropriate in some way and/or annoying, distracting or any number of other things I will endeavor to come up with something and remain consistent. 🙂

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@parus

@contentandwell Thank you for sharing! I like Don Fiore on youtube. He has an 8 minute Tai Chi and also enjoy the Quigong video. I will rise up from my slump. Cool how you can stream music through your hearing aids. Pool marching is so good for getting the cardio up. I tried the Y for a Tai Chi class and the other folks were there to socialize. I left. Need to do something lest I hit the bottom of the vortex...ain't fun, nor pretty.
I did manage to dig my car out and went to the store. The employees there are so nice. They still bag groceries too! I am known other places for leaving things on the round-a-bouts.
I live in NE IN. Thankful to have a warm home, food, creativity and Mayo Connect to take a break. Need to get my focus back for the things I can do!
Your words are encouraging. Thank you and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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SE Michigan? I'm in Port Huron. Yes it does seem easier both physically and mentally to "work-out" /exercise in warmer weather. I started going to a gym with a close friend but honestly the main reason I don't like to go is because I don't like that particular gym. The the motivation of having a "buddy" helps. If this post nerve biopsy pain would go away a bit quicker, I'd actually like to get back to the gym with my friend. I kinda miss it.

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@parus

@contentandwell Thank you for sharing! I like Don Fiore on youtube. He has an 8 minute Tai Chi and also enjoy the Quigong video. I will rise up from my slump. Cool how you can stream music through your hearing aids. Pool marching is so good for getting the cardio up. I tried the Y for a Tai Chi class and the other folks were there to socialize. I left. Need to do something lest I hit the bottom of the vortex...ain't fun, nor pretty.
I did manage to dig my car out and went to the store. The employees there are so nice. They still bag groceries too! I am known other places for leaving things on the round-a-bouts.
I live in NE IN. Thankful to have a warm home, food, creativity and Mayo Connect to take a break. Need to get my focus back for the things I can do!
Your words are encouraging. Thank you and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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Hello @michelewithonel

Yes, we are almost neighbors (give or take about an 1 hour drive). I recently met someone on Mayo Connect who just lives a few miles from me!

I have been reading your posts and see that you have made several trips to Mayo in Rochester. How are you doing now following your nerve biopsy?

Teresa

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@parus

@rosemarya Guess I do so because it is one of the few choices I can make for myself. Doing watercolors has not a thing to do with the change. If this is inappropriate in some way and/or annoying, distracting or any number of other things I will endeavor to come up with something and remain consistent. 🙂

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@parus

No problem, here. I enjoy the different paintings - my all time favorite is still the duck, though - it made me smile every time I saw it!

Teresa

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@parus

@rosemarya Guess I do so because it is one of the few choices I can make for myself. Doing watercolors has not a thing to do with the change. If this is inappropriate in some way and/or annoying, distracting or any number of other things I will endeavor to come up with something and remain consistent. 🙂

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@parus, I enjoy your changing pictures! It's like viewing a mini slideshow. I love the variety and the colors and I was just curious.
My own opinion is that you remain consistent by doing what you are doing! I will be looking forward to seeing more in the future:-)
Rosemary

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