badRobot wrote:
All people have this problem until their routine is consistent enough for brain reward system to connect the dots between exercise and feeling good later. Some of the most beneficial exercises are hard and unpleasant in process and don't provide immediate gratification.
Our reward system is very stupid. If you feel great as a direct result of your workout couple hours before, really enjoy a movie or a meal, our reward system wrongly connects feeling good with that activity instead of your hard workout.
Some people exploit it, by making explicit reward, like watching one episode of a favorite show only after workout. For some people postponing fun activities until you feel your mood improve works better.
If you want to develop anticipation and motivation to workout, be mindful, anticipate good mood and make a mental note every time you feel great some time after workout.
Ah that's a good idea, cheers! I definitely have an issue with wanting instant gratification. I'm impatient, I have ADHD and I'm an ex-addict.