Bored?
By Betty Mitchell RN BSN
Parish Nurse, Emmanuel Bethel Church, Royal Oak, Michigan
There are times when it becomes difficult to stick to a regular exercise routine. One of the barriers or obstacles in maintaining exercise routine is boredom. Doing the same thing over and over can become tedious, and boredom sets in.
Boredom often leads people to eat even if they are not hungry or sit and watch TV. Less activity with more food consumption will cause weight problems.
Some ways to help overcome boredom involve choosing activities you enjoy. If running is not for you, then try walking, swimming or bicycling. Any activity that motivates you to move counts.
Having a variety of activities you can choose from is helpful, too. Different muscle groups are strengthened when you walk, bike or swim.
Find a friend, relative or neighbor to team up with, it will give you incentive to stick with an activity. The socialization will also make the activity more enjoyable and fun.
Be adventuresome and challenge yourself to try a new exercise or learn a new skill to add to your routine of fitness activities. Consider a new or different location to do your exercises — exercise classes, health club, outdoors, etc.
