You’ve got the basic equation down: A healthy body involves a bit of math involving exercise and diet. If you have a plan, move your body in a lot of different ways, stay hydrated, eat food that work for you, get enough rest and play, and keep up with your weakest links with specific treatments and exercises, you live a long, happy life.

Simple enough. But…

There’s another piece of the puzzle you can’t ignore: Your emotional state.

If you’re sad, lonely, stressed out, or feeling deprived, then it’s going to feel impossible to stick to your health and fitness plan. Those thoughts and feelings come in and seem like you (they’re not) and now you have a whole sort of unproductive thoughts and ideas.

So, since you’re going to continue having emotions, and since sometimes they might run away from you because you are, you know, HUMAN, let’s tackle this issue head-on.

Spot your triggers. Not getting along with someone? Work deadlines tight? Kids on your last nerve? You know what presses your buttons and makes you want to have these self-destructive thoughts. Knowing them helps hit the pause button on impulse-driven choices you’ll regret.
Move It. Try to do something physical in response to these triggers. Go for a walk, play with your dog, or schedule workouts to follow your stressful job shift. Meditation and journaling can be lifesavers, too.
Keep Track. Use a workout journal to track your progress. Note how you’re feeling before and after you do what you need to do for your body.
Moderation, Not Deprivation. Avoid the all-or-nothing mindset. Strive for balance, instead. Its ok to take some time to gather your thoughts; just don’t let it become a crutch.

Staying in this stressed-out state will derail you and make your body tighter, weaker, in pain, and uncomfortable. Your body reacts to stress the same no matter where it comes from. Once you are able to work with your nervous system the goals you have with your body will start to come to fruition.

If you still feel troubled by your emotions. Seeking support is a sign of strength and maturity, and one of the best tools we have to achieve success.