Often enough, I get asked how I work out, what specific workout routine I follow and what I eat, because whatever I post on social media seems to be catching someones attention. The truth is, I stopped doing what everyone was telling me I should do: "CrossFit every other day! Eat less carbs! Do paleo!"
I tried a bunch of different workouts and meal plans to see how my body reacted/responded, and came up with something that actually works, for me.
I dropped the weight.
This means, the weight of the world, the weight of the pressures that I put on myself, the weight of sticking to a number (e.g. scale, plates on the bar, counting macros).
All this excess 'stuff' helped me focus on what I could control, which is ultimately moving in my own body weight (see: yoga) and more importantly, my breath (see: yoga, again). Something as simple as just remembering to breathe has been incredibly helpful in every aspect of my life. When the weight of the world seems too heavy to bare, deep inhales and slow exhales lighten the load.
For those just getting into the swing of things as far as working out goes, start with the easy stuff.
The things that come natural to you or things that actually excite you, that doesn't feel like a work out. Whatever that is, stick to it for a month. Get in to a routine of doing that thing and track how you feel each time you do it.
Don't worry about the number of pounds you're lifting or seeing on the scale. Actually, throw the scale away.
Walk outside for 5 minutes. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Literally, just focus on breathing.
The more in tune you are with what you can control - your own body, your own breath - the weight (of starting) doesn't feel as heavy.