After a life-changing event, finding the energy to stay physically fit is difficult. It’s easy to find an excuse to avoid staying healthy.
Whether your life-changing event is a divorce or the loss of a spouse, the emotions you’re dealing with can easily drain your energy.
Dealing with these changes requires modification to your daily routine.
You may have minor adjustments or major ones to make.
You may have an endless list of things to do to wrap up outstanding items from your life change.
But the most important thing you can do is take care of your health.
Staying physically fit is one way to take care of your health.
It’s easy to find an excuse not to be active.
Here are suggestions to stop your excuses.
EXCUSE #1: Not Enough Time
You can start small by taking a walk. Even 15 minutes outside or on a treadmill will make a difference.
Use your walk to think through things bothering you and clear your mind.
Gradually increase the amount of time you walk.
EXCUSE #2: Too Many Visitors
If you have many visitors, suggest walking with them instead of sitting on the couch.
EXCUSE #3: Tired of Answering Questions
You may want to go somewhere where no one knows what you’ve been going through to avoid answering questions.
Signing up for a fitness class may be a great way to stay healthy and meet new people.
EXCUSE #4: Want to Be By Myself
If you want to be alone, stay home.
There are various short YouTube videos with exercise routines you can try in the comfort of your home.
EXCUSE #5: No Energy
The hardest thing is to find energy. But by being active, you increase your energy level.
If you’re going through depression, your energy will be nonexistent. You may find yourself wanting to sleep.
Push yourself to do something – even a 30-second plank.
The last thing you want to think about after a divorce or the loss of a spouse is your health. There’s too much to sort through, including your emotions.
But if your health deteriorates, your life becomes more complicated.
Find time to stay physically fit. Use the suggestions in this post to motivate yourself to make time for yourself.
(Update to original post from May 25, 2018)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”