In order to reach your goals, you need to commit, prepare, and have the right mindset.
Our wellness coach Jennifer Dietrick shares how to build a strong mindset to make you unstoppable.
To build a strong mindset, the most important quality is to have awareness of your current mindset. What are your current thoughts surrounding your body and health? Are they positive? If not, start becoming aware about how you think and talk about your body and health.
Getting rid of Negativity
The list of various negative comments I’ve heard from people of all ages and fitness levels is endless. It is also common practice in our society with advertising like “guilt-free” food. Having guilt associated with food is a negative thought. Often these supposed “guilt-free” foods are not healthy for you and there is a healthier option that is not labeled “guilt free”.
Positive Vibes Only
Once you get into the habit of catching the negative thoughts and dismissing them, then you can begin to change them into positive ones. State them in the present tense and in a positive form. If you used to say, “I am fat.” for example, then change the statement to, “I am lean.” That is the example that I prefer, yet I encourage you to use a positive word that resonates with you best. Maybe, instead of lean, you choose strong or thin or athletic or tone.
Choose which word you like best and that resonates with you. It is important to not ignore the feelings surrounding these negative statements. Process the feelings, yet it is also important to stop saying the negative comments.
Be in It for the Long Haul
In addition, keep the search for quick results out of your mind. Your mental mindset is a gradual change just as the physical is. If you have been saying the negative statements your entire life, then the positive ones will take time and practice. Let go of the results and focus on taking small actions daily towards your goals.
Bring the Zen
With your process, add meditation to further enhance your progress. Meditation practice is also part of improving the mental state. It will improve your health by decreasing stress, improve breathing, calming the mind, and giving you a more positive outlook.
Just like exercise and nutrition, start with small steps especially if you have resistance with the practice or feel like you don’t have time. Ideally, I’d suggest a minimum of 15 minutes in the morning and evening. If that seems overwhelming, choose an amount that doesn’t feel overwhelming such as one minute twice a day and build upon that time until it becomes habit.
“The key points to keep in mind are to be in a physical position that is comfortable to you and choose a type of meditation that works for you.”
There are numerous meditation videos following a person’s voice or ones with music only. I’ve tried various types including repeating my own mantras and I also switch it up every so often.
An easy one is to focus on your breathing by visualizing each breath going into and out of your lungs. Remember that it is not expected to have a blank mind with no thoughts. Emptying your mind is the goal, yet it is still a meditation practice if you are attempting to empty your mind.
By practicing having less thoughts go through your mind, you will have fewer negative ones as well!
Here are some more self-care practices from Jennifer to help in creating the right mindset.
Don’t forget about your muscle health.
Our muscles carry out the physical chores of our body, so be sure to keep your muscle healthy with myHMB®. Learn more.
