How To Stop Obsessing Over Your Body
Is it bad for business for a trainer to trying to help you stop fixating on your body?
Some would say yes, given how most fitness marketing sounds these days. I argue that that is exactly why it’s good for business- because of the diet culture entrenched state of the wellness industry, more people than over need help releasing self judgements and to unlearn unhealthy habits.
4 Simple Steps To Get Your Mind Off Your Body
1) Identify Triggers
Sometimes we get caught off guard with our mean inner monologue, but too often, we KNOW an activity is going to be triggering and we still opt to engage. Make a list of circumstances that you find difficult. Be discerning with how you spend your time, and if a situation is unavoidable, make a game plan that protects your energy- ex: if family meals over the holidays make you feel shitty, set a boundary with loved ones ahead of time that you don’t want to talk about your weight or health. If you find yourself stress eating chips while listening to the news, first, turn it off, then take a few deep breaths. If you still crave chips, have them! That’s what bodily intuition is all about, but, if you were just looking for a way to deal with the difficult feelings coming up, do something to get embodied, like a more formal breathing exercise, a few quick stretches, taking a bath, or doing a full on workout.
This is not the first time you’ve heard this: the media we consume directly informs our expectations of our own bodies and the beauty standard in general. Make sure your feed shows all different types of beauty- and that you engage with it so the algorithm knows you’re not just interested in one type that may be unattainable for you.
3) Self Care
A cliche for a reason! It’s not all face masks and bubble baths (though I have to say, they don’t hurt!), but the actual daily practices that you do that communicate a message of both appreciation and fondness from brain to body and helps decrease negative self talk. Getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, a regularly movement practice, literal self love (wink wink) (LINK TO DAME VIBRATOR), a creative outlet (aka something you enjoy creating or participating in that’s primary purpose is joy- so no, your job won’t suffice, even if you love it!) and regularly voicing your feelings and opinions to your loved ones to feel heard are all ways to foster a sense of kindness to your bod. When you skimp out on these activities, you’re basically telling your body that you don’t care about treating it well, and it’s a slippery slope from there.
4) Healthy Distraction
No, I’m NOT saying ignore your health or your feelings. The whole purpose of intuitive wellness is becoming so attuned to your physiological cues that you feel more connected to yourself as a whole. However, sometimes body image feelings can be so intense that you need healthy distraction as practical and realistic coping mechanism. Finding an alternative activity can be a way to infuse some joy into your day and allow you enough space so that you can work through the tougher emotions at your pace. Try putting on your pump up playlist or a favorite podcast (as long as the topic doesn’t trigger you), putting on your favorite old episode of Parks and Rec, having a solo dance party in your kitchen (or with your dog!), reading a chapter in a book etc. Avoid logging into social media because while it’s certainly distracting- it’s likely to make you feel worse about yourself.
Conclusion
If you’re a human person, negative thoughts will arise now and then. Our goal shouldn’t be to eliminate them completely (impossible) but to learn how to manage those thoughts so they don’t ruin our whole day.
Taking care of yourself is already tough- and when body shaming and diet culture rhetoric infiltrates your space as you try to maintain a regular fitness practice, it’s even harder. For on demand and livestream workouts that support your overall health and ix-nay on the beauty standard, check out Helen Phelan Studio and get your first 10 days free!
Other articles you might like:
How To Silence Your Inner Bully
The Unexpected Power Your Instructor Has Over Your Body Image