How to Find Motivation to Work Out on a Bad Mental Health Day

Exercising when you're feeling down
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Bad mental health days have the power to derail all of our plans, including the intense workout that we had scheduled for the day. It’s totally fine to take a rest day when you’re feeling low, but if you think working out will get you in a better mood, here are a few things that will give you a motivational boost.

Take It Easy

There’s no need to put pressure on yourself to give it your all at the gym when you’re having a bad mental health day. Take baby steps and work out for as long as you feel comfortable, even if it means you won’t do all the exercises you were intending with full intensity.

Do What You Love

If there are any parts of your fitness routine that you constantly struggle with and can’t fully commit to, feel free to skip them on the days when you’re feeling low. It will be much harder to commit to working out if you’re pushing yourself to do things that you don’t love.

Stay on the Move

Going to the gym and doing your regular fitness routine isn’t the only way to stay active. Walking, hiking, dancing, or cycling also allows you to stay on the move, and it’s a better option for bad mental health days.