Why A Healthy Lifestyle Isn’t Only About Exercise And Nutrition

 

 

THERE IS MORE INVOLVED TO LEADING A BALANCED HEALTHY LIFESTYLE THAN PEOPLE REALIZE. YOU CAN EXERCISE FOR MULTIPLE HOURS A DAY, EAT SALADS EVERY MEAL, AND DRINK A LOT OF FRESH PRESSED JUICES WITHOUT BEING TRULY HEALTHY.

I believe that to be truly healthy, you need to heal your mind in regards to how you view yourself. Being healthy goes beyond just the physical aspects with mental health ranking just as high (if not more) in importance. We need to take on our fitness journey with an approach including forgiveness, self-acceptance, patience, and gratitude.

• Forgiveness: Forgiving yourself for the thoughts you have had about yourself in the past. Forgiving any hatred and negative self-talk you have inflicted upon yourself. Forgiving yourself throughout your new journey as there will be hard days where you want to give up on everything. Allow yourself to feel what you are, take a step back, and come back with a new motivation.
• Self-Acceptance: Accepting yourself and your body for who you are in this moment. Understanding that you only have one body and only ever will. So instead of hating it, try to heal your relationship with yourself. There are aspects of yourself that make you unique from everyone else in the world and you won’t be able to change them. However, that makes you who you are so choose to embrace them.
• Patience: Be patient with your progress. Nothing happens overnight and it’s important to allow yourself to embrace every step along the way without getting frustrated. Things may take time but it’s always worth it.
• Gratitude: By learning to count your blessings, you will notice an overall happier wellbeing. Instead of focusing on all the things you hate about your life and your body, gratitude allows you to shift your perspective for the better. Be grateful for your health, those close to you, your differences that make you unique, and having another day on our earth to make your mark.

Once you focus on your mental health and caring for it the same way you aim to with your physical health, you’ll notice the different in your lifestyle. You will be able to tackle anything that comes your way. The things that used to bother you won’t as much. Additionally, you will be pickier with what you let affect your confidence because you have increased self-respect for your capabilities, worth, and body.

What makes up our balanced lifestyle and where we place more emphasis can change. There are periods of our lives where we can tip the balance scale more on exercises and periods where we need to take a step back and check on our mental health. However, I believe every fitness journey should initially start with more balance on self-love.

So, remember, there is more to a healthy lifestyle than just calories burned (fitness) and calories consumed (nutrition). Make sure you take care of your mind just as much!