Lost Motivation

[Kangoojumpmom]

HI. I was an avid Fitbit challenger and exercised daily. My dad got sick for several months and eventually passed away. Through these events, my exercise was put on hold/slowed so I can devote myself to being with my dad. After his passing I went through normal grieving. During this time I also lost all motivation to exercise and put back on roughly 10-15lbs through emotional eating and stress. I know it takes time after someone passes away, but Im trying to get back into exercising. I have the thought in my head, but the motivation isn't there. I've literally lost it. The energy isn't there either. Im so tired after work (preschool teacher-plus I have 2 kids of my own). I have started drinking my water intake per day, which is huge for me & a good start. Im trying to make sure Im getting 8hrs of sleep. I am trying to take small steps, and I know I have to find that niche, that routine again. Just wondered how others got back on their feet again. That "urge" to exercise, the motivation, after losing someone very close. Seeking tips, inspiration, etc,. 

[DanielleinDC · Accepted solution]

I'm sorry for your loss. Losing a parent has to be one of the worst milestones.

I wish I knew what to tell you about getting back into it, but I think once you take that first step, it'll be easier. I've heard it takes 21 days to make a habit. Even if you can only start with 10 to 15 minutes a day, it's better than nothing. Can you sneak in a bit of exercise in the morning before your kids wake up?

[emili]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know its very hard and even harder to get back to life "before". Here is the thing, motivation is an emotion. Just like sad, happy, angry.. its a feeling you experience that forces you to react. The reason you lack the emotion is because you forgot the behavior or the reason that drove you to that feeling. That's what you need to figure out. Once you know why you want to and what you want to you will start to feel that feeling creep in and you will react. Find your why again..

[Kangoojumpmom]

I wish I could! I still can't get myself up any earlier than what Im normally suppose to be waking up! LOL Ive got my fitbit on today, so that's a start! 

[Kangoojumpmom]

Thank you Emili, I didn't see it that way at all. Ive got my fitbit back on, so thats a good start- and a new playlist. 🙂 

[arobin]

Hi,

I feel your pain and, I felt compelled to post because I recently lost someone near and dear to me.  My older sister, of which we were only one year and two days apart. We were very close, she was in bad shape for about a year, I thought she was getting better, but passed suddenly, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I think her passing had the opposite effect on me, as it motivated me to get myself more in gear.  Thank goodness that I did, as my blood pressure was through the roof.  Loss does have a way of putting things in your life in perspective, so I totally understand that it doesn't seem like a priority for you right now.  Take the time to be honest with your emotions and the pain, and then when you feel better, get yourself re-focused.  As painful as it may be, I feel that there are lessons that we can take from it.  I take the lesson of my sisters strength.  She was fearless when it came to battling her sickness everyday, and she was definitely a fighter.  I incorporate that part of her spirit to keep me motivated.  Take care, be well, and may your heart heal quickly.