It is Sunday and I know it is a day of happiness for many, if not most. Why? Because it is the weekend and we do not have to report in for work.
But what if we can be generally happier every single day of the week? Wouldn’t that be awesome? Of course, Sundays will still be Sundays but the rest of the week can become so much more beautiful and less stressful.
So what is the trick? Simple and probably you would have know it as well – Exercise.
You may be thinking, “Oh… so it is the same old thing about exercise again.” or “Gosh, I thought he is going to share some unknown secrets or get happy quick pill.” It is true and to be honest, I love you so much that I want you to know that there aren’t any get–quick stuff in this world. We are all bogged down with our lives that we often find ways to succeed faster.
What I will do is that I will share with you practical ways to start getting healthy. I am a true believer of being able to do something sustainably, so that consistency is possible. With consistency, that is when success will get closer.
Before I share that, let me show you a scientific research on the correlation of happiness and fitness.
An ((> target=”_blank”>article from US National Library of Medicine concluded the following:
“Increasing physical activity volume was associated with higher levels of happiness. Although the influence of physical activity intensity appeared minimal, the association with happiness was domain specific and was strongest for “a lot” of domestic and/or “some” vocational physical activity.”
So here are my personal tips and practical ways on how I worked towards my health late last year, all while working in a hectic and stressful job dealing with demanding customers almost every other day.
- Commit to a simple workout routine that you can do every day.
Yes, I do mean every day. It does not have to take 1 hour or even 20 minutes. Personally, I started my whole journey with a 30 squats challenge with a friend. Who would have known that this simple challenge of just 30 squats can change my life. I will share my before and after photo at the end of this post.- Learn about nutrition
This is the key. As they always say, fitness is 20% exercise and 80% diet. This cannot be further from the truth. I will share more on nutrition soon. - Partner a friend
Like how I shared earlier on how I started my fitness journey, partnering a friend helps in two ways. Firstly, it makes losing weight or keeping fit fun. You may even have a little competition. Secondly, it acts as a great support and accountability system. When I started, I told my friend that we have to Whatsapp each other everyday without fail. In this way, we would be able to focus on our goal, which was to complete the 30 days challenge. There will be days she would text me first to inform me that she has completed hers and there would be days that I texted first. This kept the momentum strong since it is on a daily basis. This was tremendously helpful to in my journey. - Take photos of your progress
Pictures paint a thousand words. On days that you get discouraged, the best way to get motivated again is by looking back at your photos, to the days you just got started and realize how much you have progressed. This always lift me up and help fuel my progress. Even when I got lost, in terms of diet or exercise, this always guide me back to the path.
- Learn about nutrition
I believe that many failed to make progress in their health because they have the improper mindset or perspective that maintaining it or keeping at it is so hard. Trust me, I was one of them. I could not give up on my rice. You cannot blame me because I am Asian and rice is our staple.
Remember, fitness does not have to be that hard. It can be simple, as simple as 30 squats a day. If you need coaching or guidance, you can connect with me too. I would be so humbled and honored if you would give me this opportunity to be your partner in your journey to health, happiness and success.
And now, for the progress photo I promised.
Instagram : @damian_wandererFitness Progress (Nov 2015 – Mar 2016)
Please pardon my pink boxer. LOL.
Journey with Damian 