We’ve all been there. After being active regularly for a month … or even six months, we totally lose momentum, and turn into couch potatoes. Take these mental steps to get back on track. The trick is to act fast and get active immediately.

Don’t beat yourself up – Take Action: Slipping now and then is normal, and the longer you despair, the longer you’ll stay on the couch. Instead, take action and figure out exactly what caused you to relapse. Then take steps to deal with that issue.

Make a list of what you’re missing: A quick review of the benefits, and how good you felt when active, will help with motivation. (If you have no fond memories, then change the intensity, or type of activity so you enjoy yourself more.)

Set New Goals: Especially if the cause of your relapse is because the goals were either too easy to motivate, or too difficult to maintain. Think back to the easier goals you set when you first started.

Reassure Yourself: think about the other successes you’ve had in your life, and transfer some of that positive attitude to your active lifestyle.

Ask for Help: Your active buddies, family and friends can help motivate you and address some of the time barriers by helping with chores.

Avoid the "All or Nothing" Trap – Any activity is better than none. Anticipate problems ahead of time (visitors, hectic times at work). On those days when your half hour or hour long workout is not possible, schedule a few 10 minute activity breaks.