How to move past the “Counting” technique.

As mentioned in a previous post, the counting technique is effective when motivation is the primary goal. One of my sisters suggested, instead of counting and then doing the tasks, it would be better to skip that step altogether. So I tried it. I am working on being kind to myself so taking daily showers is a must. Instead of watching a television show and putting off the shower for another time; I got up and took a shower right then. No counting, no convincing, no real thought process - just got up and took a shower. It was Awesome!

When it came time to eat, I prepared a nice, small meal. Instead of counting while eating, I told myself I would stop eating as soon as the hunger eased. With the solid conviction that I would indeed stop eating when satisfied, I ate with enjoyment and did not overeat. Wouldn’t it be nice if food were not the enemy… Earlier in life, when I was having trouble making myself eat at all, this technique would have made my life much easier. I would not have spent so much time thinking about various aspects of food. I would have decided what I needed to eat healthfully and followed through.

Daily activities such as preparing dinner and exercising have become a lot easier since I became able to make myself “just do it!” I don’t waste all that time counting which allows me to enjoy life more. This also has the benefit of increasing my mental alertness as the technique relaxes other parts of my mind.

Motivation is usually needed to increase physical activity.

A whole book could be written on how to obtain the motivation needed to do certain things in life. A person usually needs motivation to pursue increased physical activity (often referred to as exercise.) Why is physical activity important? The more you move, whether it entails cleaning the kitchen or taking a walk, - the better you’ll feel. Endorphins are released during physical activity (as well as other activities). The endorphins help the body and mind feel good. Endorphins are more powerful than any man-made pain medication and do not have addictive qualities. Motivating oneself to increase physical activity can be of great benefit for one who has a mental or eating disorder.

In case there is a question as how physical activity can manage mental and eating disorders… When physical and mental is improved, often the symptoms of the disorder improve as well. Physical activity helps with many things such as: weight control, reducing risk of heart or metabolic problems, it strengthens bones and muscles, improves mental health and also increases chances of a longer life. Weight control and appearance are a big deal to people with an eating disorder, even more so than the health benefits. Physical activity improves mental health by lessening depression and improving thinking, learning and judgment.

I have found many little ways to increase physical activity in my life. Before I had a pool in my backyard, I took a short 10-15 minute walk before starting my day. Now I take that time for a brisk swim. It doesn’t really matter what the activity is: sweeping and mopping the kitchen, taking a walk with the dog, swimming for a bit, playing a few holes on the golf course or riding a stationary bike. The main objective of doing the preferred activity in the morning is to start the blood pumping. This helps the benefits flow early in the day before things that clog up the day happen. Some people prefer to do most of their activity in the morning but I like to split it up throughout the day. I may do the laundry and dishes for a half an hour in the afternoon and take another dip in the pool at night. Most days I get at least one hour of decent physical activity done.

My technique of motivating myself is to reward myself for the activity I do each day. When I do my required swimming; I hop in the Jacuzzi for 15 minutes. When I have finished the dishes; I make myself a small, low-fat snack to eat in front of the TV. When I take a walk; I take a hot shower or bath to get that “fresh, clean” feeling. When I smoked a few years about; I used cigarettes as my reward and as a small break. Before I became sober; I poured myself a drink at the end of the day. One of my favorite drinks now is hot coffee with a little bit of flavoring. So when I feel like a cigarette or a drink, I drink coffee. I know I have replaced bad habits with good ones so it doesn’t bother me to have the need for a reward when I complete something. It is hard for me to make it through the days sometimes. I make it a point not to beat myself up for needing a push to get something done.