10 reasons we tend to skip activities, (like yoga and meditation), that make us feel so good.

yoga and meditationyogameditationHealthy Habits

Feb 13

If we know what makes us feel good, why don’t we do it every day?

For example:

After practicing yoga (or even teaching a class), or meditation I feel so calm, grounded and even refreshed.

I often wonder why the heck I don’t do both every single day. Or even eating foods that nourish our bodies and help our minds stay clear and less foggy, why do we not eat foods that we know make us feel energetic and well?

If you don’t do yoga or meditate, you may not get this, but IF YOU DO, stay with me…

There are days when we are really busy and there are always so many things to do, right?

Well, why aren’t we prioritizing our health? Why do we keep skipping the things that take a bit of effort, but feel so good and then physiologically and mentally are incredibly healthy for us? I ask myself this almost every day because I do this too.

The tendency to skip or neglect activities that promote well-being and health, such as yoga and meditation, (eating healthier too), can be influenced by several factors. Here are some of the science backed reasons I found when I did a bit of digging online:

Instant Gratification Bias: Our brains are wired to seek immediate rewards. Unhealthy habits like indulging in sugary foods or avoiding exercise often provide instant pleasure, whereas the long-term benefits of healthy practices take time to manifest. This bias can lead us to prioritize short-term satisfaction over long-term well-being.
Cognitive Load: Modern life bombards us with information, decisions, and responsibilities. When our mental load is high, we may default to familiar routines (even if they’re unhealthy) because they require less cognitive effort. Healthy practices like cooking nutritious meals, going to yoga, or practicing mindfulness meditation can feel like additional tasks, leading us to skip them.
Habit Formation: Habits play a significant role in our behavior. Unhealthy habits can become deeply ingrained due to repetition and reinforcement. Breaking these patterns and establishing new, healthier habits requires conscious effort and persistence.
Social Influence: Our social environment strongly impacts our choices. If our friends, family, or colleagues engage in unhealthy behaviors, we may follow suit. Conversely, positive social support can encourage adherence to healthy practices.
Stress and Coping Mechanisms: Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which affects decision-making. In times of stress, we may turn to comfort foods or skip exercise. These coping mechanisms provide temporary relief but may hinder overall well-being.
Reward Pathways in the Brain: Unhealthy foods can activate reward centers in the brain, leading to cravings and reinforcing consumption. Healthy practices, while beneficial, may not trigger the same intense pleasure response.
Lack of Awareness: Sometimes, we underestimate the impact of small daily choices. Skipping a yoga session or opting for fast food seems inconsequential in the moment, but cumulative effects matter. Raising awareness about the long-term benefits can motivate consistent healthy behaviors.
Perceived Effort: People often perceive healthy activities as more effortful than they actually are. For example, meditation might seem daunting, but even a few minutes of mindfulness practice can yield benefits.
Environmental Factors: Our surroundings influence behavior. If unhealthy options are readily available (e.g., junk food at home or a sedentary workplace), we’re more likely to choose them.
Self-Sabotage: Deep-rooted beliefs about self-worth, deservingness, or fear of change can lead to self-sabotage. We may unconsciously undermine our efforts toward well-being.

Remember: Overcoming these challenges involves self-awareness, patience, and intentional choices.

Now that we know there are actually scientifically backed reasons we tend to skip activities that we know are good for us, and we aren’t just “lazy”, the big question is:

How do we start implementing healthy practices like yoga and meditation on a daily basis?

This is no small task. However, our choices need to be intentional and our adjustments and shifts should be gradual.

Start by setting clear intentions:

Understand that health is an investment, not an expense. Set a clear intention to prioritize it.

And then…

Start Small and Gradual:
- Micro-Habits: Begin with small steps. Commit to 5 minutes of meditation or one weekly yoga class. Gradually increase the duration as it becomes a habit.
Create a Routine:
- Consistency: Set specific times for your practices. Whether it’s morning meditation or one weekly yoga class, consistency matters.
Mindful Meditation:
- Anywhere, Anytime: You don’t need a special place. Practice mindfulness during daily activities.
- Guided Apps: Use meditation apps like Insight Timer, Calm or Headspace for guidance.
Community and Accountability:
- Join a class that makes you feel comfortable and welcome: Invite a friend to your weekly class.
- Accountability Partners: Share your goals with a friend or family member.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection:
- Small Wins: Celebrate each step toward a healthier lifestyle.
- Adaptability: Life is dynamic; adjust your practices as needed.