Here's How I Motivate Myself to Excercise After Work, Even When I'm Exhausted

There are some days when I see the clock approaching 4 p.m. and I can already feel my eyelids drooping. All I want to do is go home and plop down on the couch with my dog — the least appealing thing I can think of is delaying that sweet puppy snuggle by working out. However, if I gave into all my lazier tendencies, not only would I never get any exercise, but I would also feel the effects spilling out into the rest of my life, from my daily energy levels to my quality of sleep. Keep reading to find out how I motivate myself to head to the gym, even when I really don't want to.

I've never regretted working out, whereas I have often regretted not doing it. I basically have to seriously practice mind over matter — oftentimes, the reason I'm feeling so run-down by the end of the workday is because I had been forgoing my workout previously. I have to remind myself how good I'll feel after I've gotten my heart rate up — and how good I'll feel the following day when my energy levels stay high. Plus, there's that whole feeling of accomplishment, strength, and overall endorphin rush that comes along with a workout that I try to make myself tap into.

Through years of trial and error, I've found that my sleep cycle is directly related to my level of activity that day. If I haven't broken a sweat or at least done some kind of physical activity, I have a very hard time falling asleep. That means I have a hard time waking up, which, in turn, makes me more tired during the day and less likely to go to work out in the evening. It's a vicious cycle that I try my hardest not to get sucked into.

Finding someone to keep you accountable makes a huge difference in actually showing up to your workout. See if you have a partner, roommate, or even a dog who you can go on a run with or do an exercise with at home.

When you look good, you feel good — and this goes both ways. When you hate the way you look in your activewear, you're less likely to put it on. I love matching sets or cool cuts and color combos that pair well together. Need a little help finding activewear inspo? Keep scrolling for some of my favorite pieces I wear on repeat.