Thrive Without Burnout
Need a pick me up!
Long-term change can be hard, even if its for the right reasons. And for those times where you venture a little (or a lot) off of your plan, getting back on track is often easier said than done. Throughout my health journey I have (and continue to) encounter set-backs. Living smarter would be much easier if I was on an island by myself. But that is simply not reality. There are kids, family traditions, work schedules, and many more obstacles that make it challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The good news is that there are things we can do to help us maintain a positive mindset - even in the midst of incredible challenges and get back on track when you fallen off. Things like reframing the situation, grace, celebrating small wins, taking an intentional break, and shaking things up can help you on your journey.
Reframing the Situation. Sometimes, our belief about a situation is simply not reality. One cheat meal, for example, does not derail your entire diet, even if it feels like it at the time. Take a step back and consider how you perceive the situation if it was not happening to you. What if it was your child, spouse, friend, mentor or was experiencing it? What would you tell them? Sometimes this perspective can make all the difference. We are often much harder on ourselves than we realize.
Grace. Sustaining a health journey requires not only dedication, but also a tremendous amount of self-kindness. Grace is the spontaneous, unmerited gift of love, peace, and forgiveness. We often extend grace willingly to others, but neglect ourselves. We set unrealistic goals, then punish ourselves when we fall short. You must be kind to yourself - at all costs and under all circumstances. This doesn't mean allowing yourself free reign all the time, but it does mean that when you try something and its harder than you thought, that you give yourself the time and grace you need to get there.
Celebrating small wins. Change can be hard. As you embark on your health journey, it's important to take time to reflect on your achievements. Even the smallest successes can give you the motivation you need to keep going. A coach or supportive friend can be great for this.
Taking an intentional break. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, life simply gets in the way. When this happens, it can be better to take an intentional break - from everything, at least for a little while. During my journey, I encountered several significant life changes. Remember, living healthy is not just about what you eat. That is only one component. What you do and how you treat yourself is just as important for your overall health. Things like going through a divorce or the birth of a new child require adjustments to your plan. While I understand the importance of sleep, a newborn can certainly throw a wrench into that part of my healthy lifestyle. Worrying over it puts the sympathetic nervous system in overdrive. So don't. Give yourself time and go back when you are ready. I have found it is much easier to sustain a healthy lifestyle when I do this.
Shake things up! Feeling stuck? Finding it harder to get your movement in or eat healthy? Try something new! Pinterest is one of my favorite places to find new recipes. I often do this when I feel like I am in a rut with meal planning. Try new ingredients, a new running trail, or consider altering your goals if you need to. These simple changes can help shift your mindset and get you back on track. Living smarter is about enjoying the journey, not simply surviving it.