🏃‍♀️ The Energy Trap: Why Finding Time to Exercise Is the Hardest Part of My Comeback

Hey there, how are you? It is good to see you here!

Reflecting on a time when fitness and exercise was a regular part of my life reminds me how much I truly crave that healthier lifestyle again.

A few years back;

I embarked on a fitness journey and was highly motivated, determined to hit my goal. I saw amazing results, dropping from 140 lbs to 108 lbs. It was a massive win. However, as time passed, I became increasingly busy with work, family responsibilities, and other commitments. Juggling these demands made it challenging to prioritize my fitness routine, and soon, making time for regular exercise felt nearly impossible.

Despite my best efforts, consistency vanished. I'd manage to work out regularly for a few weeks, but then my schedule would become hectic, and the daily morning walk would be the first thing to go. As a result, my fitness level plateaued. Over time, I became disheartened and discouraged, feeling like my journey was going nowhere.

The Weight of Life

I knew I needed a change, but with so many demands on my time and energy, it felt like an uphill battle. Looking at the numbers today—from 140 lbs (my starting point) to 108 lbs (my peak), and now at my current 142 lbs—is a painful reminder of the ground I lost.

I understand I need to prioritize my well-being, but the real obstacle is finding the right time and energy to work out. I’ve considered the classic solution: waking up earlier. But honestly, I struggle to get out of bed when I already feel drained. On the flip side, working out after work sounds like a good idea, but I often feel so exhausted and depleted at the end of the day. This is the energy trap: knowing I should move, but having nothing left in the tank to do it.

It's frustrating because I fully understand the importance of caring for my physical health, yet I can't seem to find a sustainable solution that allows me to resume my fitness journey while fulfilling my other tasks and responsibilities.

Sometimes we have to not look back and just move forward

👀Focusing on the Comeback: Fighting the Energy Trap

I often reminisce on what could have been if I hadn't let my negative emotions take control when I was so close to achieving my goals. But dwelling on the past won't change anything. Instead, I must focus on moving forward and getting back to that dedicated mindset.

To break out of this energy trap, I'm focusing on micro-commitments rather than overwhelming overhauls. Here are a few strategies I'm planning to implement:

The 15-Minute Rule: Instead of needing an hour, I'm committing to a 15-minute workout—no excuses. This could be a quick bodyweight routine or a speed walk during lunch. Anything is better than nothing.
Energy Audit: To stop fighting the morning exhaustion, I'm analyzing my daily schedule to find natural energy dips and peaks. I will deliberately move less urgent or optional late-day commitments so I can prioritize a quick 20-minute movement break before dinner, maximizing the remaining energy I have.
Pre-Pledge Everything: To tackle the morning struggle, I'll prepare my water bottle, workout clothes (including socks and shoes), and my breakfast or lunch the night before. Removing all possible friction points ensures that the moment I wake up, the only decision left is to start moving.

I am determined to put in the hard work and overcome this energy challenge. I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready to create a more balanced schedule that allows me to prioritize my fitness once more and come out stronger on the other side.

"You never truly lose the ground you gained; you only lose the momentum. The goal isn't to get back to 108 lbs—it's to reclaim the mindset that got me there."- Lea❤

"The true victory is choosing self-care over self-judgment. We are all beautiful and worthy exactly where we stand today. My comeback isn't about reaching a number, but about finding the energy to honor the body I have now."