Want to start your exercise routine and keep putting it off? A Psychological technique called Cognitive Reappraisal may be the answer.
This short podcast explains the process of thinking about it in a more emotionally detached way, can help us literally get out of our own way and get on with it!
Read more at: https://digest.bps.org.uk/2019/07/23/episode-17-how-to-make-running-less-painful-and-more-fun/
Cognitive Reappraisal is looking at the situation in an emotionally detached way. So rather than “oh this run is really hard at the start” thinking about it objectively so “the start of the run is just the warm up”.
Another way that helps build the new habit you want to do is to use an Implementation intention.
So cognitively building awareness of the old habit and creating new ones.
Use the format, “If I find myself in Circumstance X, then I will do Y.”
For example: “If it’s a day I walk the girls to school, then I will put my running gear on to walk them to school.” – I knew if I had my gear on I’d be more likely to go for a run straight after drop off. 4 years later I don’t even think about it, it’s automatic!
The key at first is attention, repetition and positive feedback – so be kind to yourself and acknowledge even the small wins!
