I’ve been divorced for close to 10 years. The separation and divorce process was not easy, but it is long in my rearview mirror. My reality in this post-divorce life is that the day to day can sometimes still be hard. Thankfully, it’s no longer the “every day is a struggle” situation it was during my divorce, which is a huge improvement, but I’m still working toward my best life.
This would of course be easier if my ex and I mutually agreed to part ways and could come to agreements easily on all fronts, but unfortunately we do not. And we continue to parent very differently. The mental strain from this difficult relationship, combined with working and parenting full-time takes its toll. Primarily in the form of stress. I may not be able to control when the stress comes (or when my Prince Charming shows up for that matter!), but I can manage the positive things I do to mentally strengthen and balance myself.
For me, that outlet happens to be exercise and I highly recommend everyone finds some form of exercise that works for them. I’m a cardio queen by nature – I just don’t feel like I’ve gotten my burn until I’m drenched in sweat. Spinning has always been my favorite exercise, dating back to my time at Indiana University and competing in The Little 500, the largest collegiate bike race in the U.S. After a spin class, I feel uplifted, calmer and more at peace with my life. It’s as though the time I spent concentrating on my body and reaching the next mile gives my busy mind the break it so desperately needs.
In 2018, I finally purchased a Peloton. A friend had one for years before and loved hers and, being a good friend, she knew I would, too. I fell in love with mine instantly and it motivated me to add in the strength training and meditations I’d been missing for years. Four years and more than 1,000 workouts later “Pelly” has become a dear friend.
On days when I am feeling low and extremely unmotivated for whatever reason, or on days when my brain is not as focused as I’d like it to be, I sit and listen to a 5 or 10 minute meditation. The Peloton instructors remind myself that I too can take advantage of what every day has to offer. That I can modify my to-do list if I need to, but that I can always work as hard as I can each day to be there for myself.
One of the things I especially love about Peloton is that the community is so encouraging. The teachers and other users inspire me to keep a list in my phone of motivational phrases that I go back and read. More than once I have forwarded those quotes to friends and I often share them with clients to offer a little helpful inspiration. Aren’t they lucky!?
The instructors at Peloton remind me of things like:
- “The energy you have for yourself is also the energy you have for others.” Jess Sims
- “Self-care is not selfish,” Robin Arzon
- “It’s just a hill”- Sam Yo
- “You are a disciple of a better you” – Sam Yo
- “This is just one step in your journey, but how you are here impacts later, tomorrow, and outside of here. What impact do you want to have out of your class? If you can do hard shit here, you can do hard shit outside.” -Cody Rigsby
- “What if you thought of yourself as something more?”- Dennis Morton
- “I am calm, strong and brave”- Kristin Mcgee
- “Tough but you are tougher” – Jess Sims
- “Don’t apologize for how you show up in the world” – Kendall Toole
For the insight and the courage to do hard things, Peloton will always be my favorite. Research from the Mayo Clinic (and many other sources) shows that regular exercise can not only improve your physical health, but increase mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Exercise promotes positive well-being by decreasing stress hormones (which I have SO much experience with!) and distracting us from negative thoughts. Personally, I’m a Peloton die-hard because it checks all the boxes for me, and I love how the instructors focus on improving mental health during each workout.
However you get your daily energy and inspiration, I hope you do. For me, spinning, lifting weights, jamming to great music and hearing an inspirational message are all great reminders that keep me strong and focused to give my daughter the best childhood she deserves.
And if you ever find yourself in doubt, or even down in the dumps…just keep pedaling!
