Self-Care and a Mindset that Hinders

Some people can talk themselves out of “taking action” before their feet even hit the ground.  We are known to compartmentalize things based on its importance to us. It takes time and a lot of mental effort to undo a mindset that has been rooted in our subconscious based on the encounters we have had in life. So, please tell me why we deny ourselves a reasonable meal and daily exercise which in my opinion is necessary.  Don’t get me wrong we all deserve a day of rest and or splurging on our favorite food items. I just want to bring attention to the fact that we only get one body and  all I’m asking is “Are you treating yours right?” Take a second and think about this. What are some thoughts that formulate inside your mind that hinder you from getting your daily workout on or making wiser food choices?

Let me be real with you. This is a current struggle of mine when it comes to exercise and the thoughts that hinder me pretty much are “I’m tired”, I have kids”,  or “I’m just mentally done.”  Excuses! Excuses! and More Excuses! We are all full of them but “What is a valid excuse?” Ummm, unless you are ill; there are none.  When I workout I feel great. It is the perception we tend to have of exercise and what we associate it with.  In my mind and probably in the mind of many others “Exercise = Hard work.” I just said “working out” makes me feel good so, why wouldn’t I squeeze in time to get it done.  Simple. I have compartmentalized the importance of working out based on what I perceive it as.   It is then placed in the “unnecessary box” hidden deep in our minds and forgotten. In other words, placed on the back burner until we want to look nice in a new dress or get summer ready.  How do we shift gears on putting our health first on a daily basis?

Self-discipline plays a strong role in incorporating change. It involves removing the label we have mentally placed on the significance of something we deemed nonessential. Hold yourself accountable for what is essential. Daily exercise and eating healthy should be on the same scale of importance as going to work and paying bills. What I have been doing lately is saying out loud what things I need to accomplish in the upcoming day. You can do this the night before or the morning of.  It has helped me greatly in shifting my thought process from what I had considered irrelevant towards regrouping it as a crucial element. Remember, It does take time but, any type of growth in this area is an improvement. For instance, While my eating habits have improved I am still tackling with getting my mind on board in regards to exercise. Consistency is key which is why you should never give up but, start over again if you have too.

Align your words with action.  Make a plan and follow through until it becomes second nature.   A person’s well-being should include providing oneself with optimal care to live out a productive lifestyle.  Identify what thoughts impede you from taking initiative. Breed out the old mindset and establish the new!