Even with the best intentions, it’s hard to make time for exercise when the weather is cold, dark, wet and you’re in the middle of a pandemic, but a little inspiration from RTE’s TV show Operation Transformation and the support from a friend or buddy can be encouraging. Meet my yoga buddy Ivy.

When Kathryn Thomas and the Operation Transformation experts introduced us to the leaders, we heard heroic real-life stories of people who have faced tough challenges in life and were stepping forward to make big changes to improve their health and well-being. They opened their hearts and their homes,  we met their families and each week we saw them embrace vulnerability as they bravely invited us into their lives. 

“that unstable feeling you get when we move outside our comfort zone and do something that forces us to loosen control”.

Their bravery is to be lauded, particularly in the middle of a global pandemic when fear and restrictions are ever–present.  In her book Daring Greatly, acclaimed author Brene Brown describes vulnerability as “that unstable feeling you get when we move outside our comfort zone and do something that forces us to loosen control”. These leaders have all moved outside their comfort zones, faced uncertainty, and emotional exposure. Each week, when they step up onto the scales they inspire others myself included. It’s not just about weight loss, it’s about getting fit, eating well and creating lasting habits to support them and their families. 

“Exercise is not a habit as life is just so busy”

For some of the leaders exercise is not a habit as life is just so busy, but trainer Karl Henry has them doing press ups, dips on a kitchen chair and jumping jacks in their living room. They’ve all achieved their weight loss targets and are prepping for the 5km run. It’s not just about the physical body changes – the OT Leaders inspire others towards healthy life changes. 

So, whether it’s running, walking or just doing something you haven’t done before, such as stepping on yoga mat, it doesn’t matter what goal you choose. As the days get brighter and longer it’s a little easier to fit it in after a days work. For me along with the dog walking my commitment is a daily yoga practice, which I’m glad to say the dog and the two grown up kids have joined me for. There are so many wonderful teachers now online you can try all sorts of Yoga to find the style and the teacher that suit you.     

Here’s 7 Tips to Inspire you! 

1. Adjust your mindset: Adopt what Dr. Eddie Murphy (clinical psychologist) from Operation Transformation advises is the “Good enough approach”. 
2. Set a goal: Loose 1kg, run 5km – a little measurement helps motivate you towards your goal
3. Ask for help: It’s amazing what a little support can do, find a buddy, either a friend or your dog.
4. Make it an easy habit: Don’t make it too hard 
5. Decide to do it: Just do it as Nike say – make a start, step on the mat
6. Rewards and incentive: Feeling better and healthier is reward in itself  
7. Listen to your body:  The body has its own language so listen, notice and be kind

So, be a little kinder to yourself, think of how you are better at all of the roles in your life when you make time for yourself.  In essence live skillfully.