Self-Awareness and Image

If we asked you if you loved (or even liked) your body, what would you say?  Sadly, most people would say a resounding no, whether they are under-weight, over-weight, or at their natural ideal weight.  And, we’ve been guilty of that too!

However, negativity about your body (and self-esteem or self-confidence) is likely to trigger anxiety and stress any time you think about changing it.  Negativity and anxiety can come about when thinking about going on a diet, whether it will work this time or not, and the disappointment if you don’t feel as good when you reach the goals as you thought you would.  And that anxiety and stress can actually make you keep or increase your weight.

When we’re stressed or anxious, our mind goes into flight or fight mode.  Even though anxiety and stress is not a physical threat, we prepare to run like a mad running thing, or to put up a good fight (not necessarily physical, but can be for what we believe in).  And when we’re in this mode, the digestive system is not a priority. 

Additionally, according to Marcelle Pick in an article on the relationship between hormonal health and the ability to lose weight:

“There are actual physiological changes that happen in the body during times of stress that can predispose us to pack on more pounds than when we aren’t stressed. These changes are rooted in our adrenal glands, which govern the stress response and many other fundamental bodily functions. When the adrenals are out of balance, the body prepares for disaster the best way it knows how — by storing calories. Yet if we restore the adrenals to their normal, healthy function, cravings disappear, energy returns, and stubborn pounds fall away without too much effort.”

And strangely, we often use food as an antidote to our stress and anxiety, to comfort ourselves and give ourselves a treat! 

So, why not be thankful and appreciative of your body?  Just think of the miracle that it actually is, and what it’s been able to do for you in your life so far.  Our minds are amazing, and our body’s are amazing.

When you start thinking positively about your body, you reduce anxiety and stress, and will start feeling better.  Then you’re likely to treat yourself better too, and treat food as the fuel you need to give your body what it needs to be healthier.

Having fun during the process of reaching your health targets, will not only make the journey more enjoyable, but will reduce stress.

By becoming self-aware, especially of your mind and body’s needs, you’ll be able to make better choices.  Bringing an understanding of what is affecting your attitude, behaviour, beliefs and habits into your awareness, gives you the opportunity to choose differently if you want to.  While these stay hidden or unknown, it makes it difficult to achieve any long term results.

So, when deciding on changing your health plans, think of the positive outcomes:

• What are the benefits to you and those around you?
• What could you improve on a daily, weekly, annual, life-time basis? And why would that be worthwhile?
• What motivates you personally?

What you believe about yourself is going to affect your behaviour in the long term.  What you see as your self-image is also going to affect your results.  If you still think of yourself as a fat person, even when you’ve slimmed down, for instance, the likelihood is that you’ll return to that “set point” – hence the yo-yo dieting that most people go through.

So, do you think it worthwhile to start loving where you are now, and using that as the launch pad towards positively aiming for your target health?

Attend one of Workshops for full support.