Strive For Progress Not Perfection

Today is Motivational Monday!

Today I want to talk about Striving for progress and not perfection.  I have several autoimmune diseases, with a couple new ones added recently.  I have good days and bad days.   I am not doing so well with my workouts lately.  I just don't have the strength lately.  Some days I let it get me down.  I have to remind myself that I am striving for progress.  It is a slow process with the autoimmune diseases that I am struggling with. I tell myself that no matter how slow the process, you can't  let it get you down.  It helps me get through the dark patches on my journey.  I know that I have a few more pounds to lose and I keep telling myself that, I am a work in progress. 

Exercise is hard when you're 100% healthy.  But when you have an autoimmune disease (a condition in which the immune system goes awry and attacks the body), you not only have to face all the regular obstacles to exercise, such as a lack of motivation, you also have to battle your own body, too.

One of the most difficult aspects of exercising when you have an autoimmune disease is that several of the most common symptoms can directly affect your ability to exercise comfortably, including fatigue, muscle weakness or cramping, heat sensitivity, and swollen, painful joints. However, with planning and care, you can exercise safely and not only increase your fitness, but also improve your confidence and quality of life.

For example, one of the conditions I suffer from is Hashimoto's disease.  Let's take a look at the condition and what that entails.

Hashimoto's disease

What it is: A condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, a gland located at the base of your neck that helps the body use energy, stay warm and keeps the brain, heart and other organs working properly. Symptoms of the disease vary, and it often leads to hypothyroidism. (which I have) It may show up as only a slight feeling of fatigue or sluggishness, but it can also cause muscle aches and stiffness, particularly in the hips and shoulders, as well as muscle weakness in the lower body. If actual hypothyroidism develops, the symptoms are usually more severe.

Exercise Rx: Light exercise might be better than vigorous exercise for helping relieve, rather than exacerbating, muscle and joint pain. The primary goal of exercise with Hashimoto's is to burn calories to help offset the weight gain that so often accompanies the disease.

If you didn't reach a goal you set, don't let that get you down, you just remind yourself of this quote, and keep your head up.  You are not a failure, and don't be so hard on yourself.  I know how it feels to beat yourself up.  I was such a perfectionist,  and would beat myself up if I didn't reach my goal. I have had a rough go with that mentality.  I became severely depressed. Remember the small victories, they are important!!  Stop the negative self-talk!  It is dragging you down.  It may take you a little while to break the habit of negative talk, but you can do it!

If things don't go the way we planned, we tend to want to throw in the towel.  Suffering through the weakness, pain and decreased mobility of an autoimmune disease can certainly make you want to forgo your fitness routine. But exercise can help you manage your symptoms and stay healthy, as long as you progress slowly and adapt exercise to your needs. 

The reason I have said all this with it being motivational day, is that if someone is going through the same thing, maybe this will help them.

Progress means making the effort to make your life extraordinary!!  You are a warrior!  Keep Going!