health

Nov

2018

I’m too embarrassed to exercise

Getting started is difficult for many reasons. Feeling embarrassed about actually moving is a very common one, so if you're concerned about this, you're not alone.

It's sad that the world can make you feel embarrassed about doing something as natural as exercising. Exercising is just moving your body, and our bodies are designed to move. So the first thing to remember, is that you are no different to anyone else in this regard. However self conscious you feel about your body, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it, and it will enjoy movement as much as anyone else's body will.

Doing something new is always intimidating. It's a challenge. And the best way to deal with something being intimidating is to take it slowly, and ease towards your goals gently, with compassion. Be kind to yourself. It's so easy to defeat yourself before you've even started by speaking to yourself negatively, for getting angry with yourself for decisions you have made in the past, but the world is a tough place as it is, and you deserve love. Self love is a good place to start.

The great thing about exercise is that you can do it anywhere. You can go to the gym, the park, or stay at home, and all of these things are effective. The key is to gently experiment with options to see what works for you. Perhaps working out at home is a good starting point, because the thought of the gym is so intimidating that it stops you from doing anything at all. On the other hand, perhaps you won't find the motivation to exercise if you are in your home environment because it will seem so much easier to sit in front of Netflix all evening rather than exercise. You may well benefit from working with a personal trainer who can work with you in the scenario that you find most comfortable, as it will become a timetabled activity which has been designed with your challenges in mind. The key thing is to gently try different methods and see what suits you. There's no rush, take your time, and remember, everyone feels self conscious! You're no different for feeling this way, and just reading this article is a big step in the right direction.

Be kind to yourself. You'll get to where you want to be, and you will unlock that self confidence that you want. It'll just take some self love, patience, and the right guidance.

Now, how about taking a 10 minute walk around the block? Or around the park? Or just walking up and down the stairs a couple of times? See how you go!

Oct

2018

How do I stick to it?

This is a mental game. Sticking to a new habit is purely to do with the mind, and you are in control. That's the thing to remember.

You've got this.

That said, it doesn't always feel that way. So it's always helpful to have someone who you can count on to keep checking in with you and encouraging you to stick to your resolve when the going gets tough. It can be anyone; a friend, member of the family, or a trainer. You've got it covered, you really do, but having someone who cares about your achieving your goals as much as you do, who you can depend on to have your back when any doubt kicks in, is invaluable.

Remember, this is a long term change, so don't pressure yourself into being perfect 100% of the time. If you miss a workout, or have that bag of crisps you promised yourself you wouldn't eat, draw a line under it. Don't let it become a slippery slope to self sabotage. Change is a bumpy road, and life is chaotic, so allow yourself to roll with the punches and don't get stuck in negative, self critical patterns just because you're human.

Think long term. Think sustainable progress. Think accountability. Everyone misses a workout every so often, or has an extra slice of cake they didn't intend to have. The difference between people who are fit and healthy vs those who are not, is how they handle those blips.

Believe in yourself. Cut yourself some slack. Call on your accountability partner when you feel your resolve weakening. And remember, you're improving, every day. Just keep going!

Sep

2018

How do I control my urge to eat unhealthily?

First of all, remember that all kinds of unhealthy foods are being marketed to us relentlessly, so tip number one: don't beat yourself up about it.

Somewhere along the line, food went from being something that physically sustains us, to being something that can be used to deal with other difficult emotions. When the urge to overeat takes hold, the first thing to do is to stop, take a deep breath, and consider why you really want to eat. Are you truly hungry? Bored? Finding it tough that day? Habitually eating a chocolate bar every night and not enjoying it anymore, feeling terribly guilty afterwards?

If you stop and decide that you really are hungry and your body needs some fuel to get energised, go ahead and eat something that is healthy and will give you that boost without the guilt. If, however, you still want to reach for that chocolate bar, or biscuit, or bag of crisps, it's a clear signal that you're using that food to deal with something else. Be honest with yourself. That's the first step to dealing with the habit of self-comforting through food.

Write down your feelings. Just grab your phone or a notebook and jot down the time, what you want to eat, and how you're feeling. Write down your nutritional goals again. Every time that urge hits, stop and do the same thing. See whether there is a pattern. Is the urge still as strong after you've done that? Do you feel a stronger resolve? Are you finding it difficult to write down how you’re feeling? Give it a go. The simple act of stopping the habit in it's tracks may well work wonders.

health

I’m too embarrassed to exercise

I'm too embarrassed to exercise

"..the best way to deal with something being intimidating is to take it slowly, being kind to yourself, and easing yourself towards your goals gently, and with compassion. Be kind to yourself."

How do I stick to it?

How do I stick to it?

"..it's always helpful to have someone who you can count on to keep checking in with you and encouraging you to stick to your resolve when the going gets tough. It can be anyone; a friend, member of the family, or a trainer."

How do I control my urge to eat unhealthily?

How do I control my urge to eat unhealthily?

"Somewhere along the line, food went from being something that physically sustains us, to being something that can be used to deal with other difficult emotions."

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