The Wellness Mindset
I have a scenario that I would like you to think about for one moment.
“I’m so excited. I’m about to go on holiday, and I can’t wait to indulge in all the delicious food and just relax and enjoy life”
Fast forward 2 weeks…
“I’ve just returned from holiday and I feel disgusting. I’ve put on so much weight.
Isn’t it funny how easy our minds can switch from positive to negative? That great holiday you just had has now become a negative experience and it all comes down to one thing – our mindset.
Mindset has the power to take you to your highest achievements or to derail your success before it even begins.
By definition a “wellness mindset” is the attitude (and approach) that allows someone to actively (and consistently) pursue or maintain a lifestyle that supports their overall health.
The words ATTITUDE and ACTIVELY are key here.
I’ve listed a few scenarios below that you may relate to when it comes to your health and wellness mindset:
- Exercise – How many of us have started an exercise regime and got injured or discouraged along the way, given up after multiple attempts and said – “this is not for me. My body wasn't made for exercise.”
- Stress – You have a tough week at work with late nights and endless deadlines. Your boss is still not happy with the results. You get a speeding ticket on your way home. Your friend cancels dinner that week. EVERYTHING is going wrong for you, or so you believe. All you can focus on are the negatives of that week.
- Balance – Are you someone that exercises during the day and as a result feels you have earned yourself a reward in the form of a burger or beverage? Then you don't understand why your goals aren’t being met? Einstein’s definition of madness is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
So how do you get the right wellness mindset?
A wellness mindset is impacted by your habits and the thoughts you constantly entertain. When it comes to wellness, positive thoughts make it easier to create these wellness habits whilst negative thoughts the opposite.
The right wellness mindset allows us to recognize where things could be better and adapt our lifestyle choices to achieve our goals. However, one thing that we have no control over is the environment around us so we must stay nimble and adapt to what is within our control. Example. “I don’t have a gym in my building, so I am unable to exercise.” Versus “I don’t have a gym in my building, but I could still do my own home workouts in my living room.
It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see the results you want or when external factors start to impede your wellness goals. However, physical fitness and overall wellness rest firmly on a solid mental foundation. Maintaining a healthy mindset is critical during your continuing quest for complete wellness.
Here are some tips on creating a wellness mindset
- Why? Why do I want to exercise, and why all of a sudden now? If you can't answer this question you’ll find yourself in a rut again.
- Education is power! Do you have all the facts and have spoken to an expert? Not everything you watch on YouTube is correct remember.
- Self talk. Drop the “I can’t”, “I’ll never be able to”, “I’m the worst at this” etc. This just puts you in the wrong mindset and unfortunately pushes others with a positive mindset away from you.
- Rome wasn't built in a day. Take small steps, give yourself realistic goals and reward yourself when you achieve them. Maybe a reward once a week rather than every day!
- Positive people. Surround yourself with people that will support you on your quest to wellness and have the same positive mindset.
- It’s not one shoe fits all. You’re not like everyone else so don't think you need to do as others do or have the same outcomes. Follow your own path and your own success will follow.
Remember, it’s all about a lifestyle!
Keep moving...
If your looking for some ideas or support on keeping active please visit our website www.ignite.ae
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Credits: https://scottrowerphd.com/mindfulness-skills-class/; https://www.redbubble.com
Disclaimer: Please note the article does not create a doctor/patient relationship. The information provided is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All the text is informational and for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read above. Any advice or information provided is on an “as-is” basis. No warranties either expressed or implied, are made on the information provided.