Get Motivated To Get Moving And Stay Happier

by | Aug 22, 2022 | Senior Living

get moving stay healthy

There are times when you need to talk yourself into getting motivated to get moving and stay happier – this is what aging gracefully and being happier requires. “Move it or lose it” is a phrase that may be a cliché, but it is certainly true. We have put together our favorite tips to get motivated to get moving and stay happier.

The more you move, the more you can keep moving, and staying fit and active could prevent a fall. Falls are one of the major reasons senior adults are hospitalized. Don’t become a statistic, unless you know better and want to join the ranks of older adults in Michigan who understand the importance of keeping both mind and body active and engaged.

The life enrichment directors at Baldwin House Senior Living plan crafts, events, exercises, trips and more to help keep you entertained, engaged and involved.

We have put together a list of reasons to get motivated to get moving and stay happier.

Mindset matters when it comes to motivating yourself to exercise. Keep in mind, you don’t need to go to the gym or run a marathon or climb mountains to stay active and fit. Make exercise a priority because when you do that, you’re making yourself a priority and you will be a happier super-ager.

  1. Find an activity you enjoy. You’re much more likely to stick with a workout routine or fitness activity if you enjoy it. If you like walking, then do that. Is biking your favorite way to stay fit, but you don’t want to go outside to ride a bike? Climb on a stationary bike and pedal your way to good health. Even if you hear “this is the only way to stay fit”, don’t feel you have to do an activity you don’t enjoy. When you find a way to exercise and it’s something you look forward to, you will stick with it. If you love swimming, look for a local community pool that you can swim laps in. The beauty of swimming is that while you won’t put stress or strain on your joints and potentially cause an injury, swimming works all your muscles and strengthens your heart and lungs.
  2. Make time, not excuses. It is so easy to tell yourself, “I’ll take a walk tomorrow.” Then that “tomorrow” becomes a week and so on. Write your exercise and activity time down in a calendar, or write a note to remind yourself to get your activity in for the day. Wear a fitness tracker or a pedometer to monitor your activity. You may find you want to challenge yourself to take “just a few more steps” today than you did yesterday! Write down your progress and congratulate yourself on how well you’re doing!
  3. Make small changes to your routine. Park farther away from the store when you go shopping so you have to walk more steps. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Get up and march in place during commercials when you’re watching television. These little changes can make a big difference.
  4. Find a friend. It’s easier to stick with a workout routine when you have a friend to walk with. Having a friend will also give you someone to be accountable to, and it’s not as easy to cancel your workout activity when you know someone is waiting for you. If you have a dog that will definitely give you a reason to get up and get moving. As a bonus, your pup will stay healthier too!

Reward yourself every time you hit a milestone. Your milestones don’t have to be huge! They can be as small but significant as having walked four days out of seven. Then the next week maybe you walk for five days instead of four! Track your steps and treat yourself when you hit a specific number a day or when you beat your personal record.   

Some people find it motivating to set a goal. For example, you could set a goal of “When I walk 2,000 steps a day for five days in a row, I will buy that book, pair of shoes, or new golf club (whatever motivates you)” once you hit your goal.

Make sure you check with your doctor to ensure you’re healthy enough to start a workout routine. He or she may be very encouraging toward your desire to get up, get moving and get healthier and happier!

Visit a Baldwin House Senior Living community near you and ask what activities we have planned for our residents as we welcome autumn together. Baldwin House Senior Living is built upon the strong foundation of guiding families and empowering seniors.

Baldwin House combines care with compassion and dignity. We offer families peace of mind and give seniors who call Baldwin House home the freedom to live their very best lives. Call us today to schedule a visit. We’d love to meet you or your loved one!