Like with eating healthy mentioned in Part II of this series, my time allotment for intentional physical activity over the past 4 years has been almost non-existent.

The result…significant decline in strength, change in physiological and metabolic body processes, and decline in mental and emotional well-being.

By now, anyone reading this series might wonder how this could happen to a dietitian who coaches individuals on these very struggles.  I wonder, too, but I do now understand when people say they don’t have time to eat healthy or exercise intentionally that some truly don’t have time.

I also believe that some do have the time but don’t manage and prioritize it to be able to eat healthy and intentionally exercise.  One could say I might be one of those people if I spend two hours at a time on social media.  I would agree.

Thus, the guilt and frustration.

A vicious cycle…based on research and personal experience, knowing intentional physical activity (and even unintentional physical activity i.e. the hard physical labor of some jobs such as ranch work) helps with physical, mental, and emotional well-being but not making time for it or not making it a priority to fit it in to my daily schedule.

As with the clients I coach, knowing isn’t enough.

How can one turn knowledge into action?

One suggestion is to connect a healthy activity that isn’t currently happening, such as intentional physical activity, to a current habit that is occurring on a regular basis.  For example, after brushing teeth morning and night, do 10 of some form of body weight exercise.  This is a suggestion from a keynote speaker at a conference I attended once and is one I use often with clients.  This also is an increase in physical activity for some and will work for some, but not me.

I’m used to a regular schedule of lengthier and more strenuous intentional physical activity.  If I can’t do that, I’m not inclined to a body weight squat after brushing my teeth.  It might be all or nothing for me.  This might be another personality trait to overcome.

Even someone, such as myself, who has, in the past, been able to “overcome” the challenges listed in this series, I feel life has spiraled out of control enough that I don’t feel I am able to make the proper healthy lifestyle choices, prioritize, and fight my way out alone at this time.

What am I going to do?  Admit the challenge.  Look into hiring a life and wellness coach.  Pray A LOT!  Ask others to pray for me!