For example, avoiding pain is a powerful anchor.
I start with my arms down at my sides and raise both hands to the middle of my chest using only my elbows. This put less stress on my shoulder muscles when I lift my hand. I do this movement 3 times before I take my pills with yogurt each day.
I set out the yogurt, spoon, and pills before I start exercising. I am afraid I will lose the sensation of what normal movement feels like if I stop to gather supplies. An anchor turns "I should" into "I want to."
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You're so right about "shoulds"!
ReplyDeleteSome of the things that are most productive for me are not "fun"--emptying the dishwasher, put away laundry--but that I know they have to done. If I can think of a slightly different way to do them--like putting laundry away but positioning myself so that I have to really reach--seems to be the best way to improve.
You have ESP. My next post is about "shoulds" like emptying the dishwasher.
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca
ReplyDeleteI still use my shoulder more than I should. I do that rolling of the shoulders exercise to loosen it up and then, like you, I concentrate on moving my arm from the elbow down. The more repeats for both make it easier for me. Now to just get constant with the exercise.
I try to anchor an exercise to a functional task because it triggers my memory (e.g. take pills - do elbow exercise 3 times). I think consistently doing an exercise a few times each day is better than waiting to find a big chunk of time to do a lot of reps.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder about shoulds! I have so many that I avoid...UGH!
ReplyDeleteIncentives and rewards go a long way in keeping "shoulds" going.
ReplyDelete