In the twenty-first century, all of us are attracted to the idea of physical fitness and having toned body structures. To maintain the same, we frequently go to fitness centres to keep ourselves in an appealing shape. While most of us yearn for a great body and work out for the same, sadly a lot of us are addicted to working out. Yes, among all the kinds of addictions, this is one too. These days, there are quite a number of people who do not only exercise furiously, but are so obsessed with it that they tend to be over-exercising.
The uncontrollable urge to exercise extremely can not only harm one physically, but also has adverse psychological effects in one’s normal life. An otherwise healthy habit- exercising can too turn out to be a horrible addiction. It is really important to be aware of the signs of being addicted to working out as well as of the ways to overcome it.
Signs of Being Addicted to Working Out or Over-Exercising
- An extreme desire to exercise heavily and a constant longing for the same over a long period of time
- Reduction of time from other normal day-to-day activities and spending large chunks of time merely exercising
- Feeling anxious and irritated when unable to work out due to any reason
- Losing control over one’s self to resist the need to exercise more intensely
These are the common symptoms to detect addiction to working out. However, it might now be simple to notice these signs and act accordingly. More often than not, a lot of us neglect these signs of over exercising, considering our needs to exercise as our liking for the same. But, an excess of it too can prove harmful for us.
No matter how harmless the need to exercise might appear, if not diagnosed with the problem of being addicted to it, one can suffer from serious physical, social and behavioural problems. In order to avoid such an alarming situation, we have to be vigilant and watch out for any such signs of addiction to working out or over-exercising. Exercising indeed is a great way to lead a healthy life, but an overdose of it is not at all helpful. If anyone of us is associated with these signs of being addicted to working out, there is an urgent need to get rid of it.
Ways to Overcome Addiction to Working Out or Over-Exercising
Let us have a look at the ways to overcome addiction to working out:
Making The Right Choice
A lot of us need to realise that there is a significant difference between choosing the good and going bananas over something. The need for exercising does not necessarily mean undergoing heavy exercise for the sake of pleasure or mental satisfaction to the extent that you get addicted to working out. We should not let our lack of confidence for our body and the desperate desire to exercise overcome us. There is a slight difference between making the choice to do the right thing and overdoing it, and we have to keep it in our consideration.
Giving Body and Mind Enough Rest
It is extremely tiring for both our body and mind to get involved in over-exercising. To be in a sound condition, our body too requires peaceful rest. Though working out is important, giving a treat to oneself by taking a break from it is equally required. Our muscles and brain need as much rest as they need workout to remain fit and healthy. Constant strain on our body and mind will lead to abnormalities, which is surely not the purpose for which we choose working out in the first place. So, it is really important to let ourselves relax and rejuvenate.
A Little Change In Routine
Being engrossed solely in exercising and neglecting other things for it is a thing to worry about. We need to learn to have appropriate divisions of time and attention for everything in our lives. We need to bring in a little change in our hectic exercise routine and shift to our social lives to give ourselves much needed space.
Having A New Approach Towards Exercise
An addiction to working out blurs our approach towards exercise and gets us indulged in over-exercising. It becomes important for us to shed off the addiction we are in control of and begin afresh with a new approach towards exercise. We need to be aware of our adverse energy and have a positive outlook towards life to keep our motivation on high spirits.
It is our responsibility to take good care of ourselves and know the limits to be influenced by anything. Addiction is a curse and to get rid of it, we must get in good terms with the ways to overcome addiction to working out. It’s high time we realize our needs and do some real good for ourselves, rather than be blindfolded by our addiction to working out and poor habit of over-exercising.
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