After a long, crazy, and tiring election season, I am guessing that a lot of us are feeling worn out. I've seen many people talk about how the election is actually making them feel unwell or mentally exhausted. Whether your candidate won or not, we could all use a little TLC right now.
I have been reflecting a lot about my own health lately. After thinking about all the implications of the recent election (the stress, the worry, the uncertainty) I realize that now is the best time for me to start prioritizing my own well-being.
Recommended for you
Throughout my life I have wasted an enormous amount of time worrying about what my body looks like, and for the wrong reasons. I wasn't concerned about my health or how strong I was, I simply wanted to be skinny. I wanted to look like all the girls did in the Seventeen magazines I had growing up. I didn't want creases, rolls, stretch marks, or imperfections.
As you can tell, I set some pretty unobtainable goals.
I've come to realize (very slowly) that this mindset will not only prevent me from looking the way I want, but it is seriously unhealthy. So instead of bashing my self-confidence daily because I am trying to be something that is physically not possible, I have set my eyes on a much better goal, to be a healthier person.
I will admit that this isn't an easy goal and there are plenty of days where I slip back into the mindset of only wanting to be "skinny." In order to keep myself on track, I have made a list of guidelines on becoming a healthier person.
1. Aim to be fit and healthy, NOT SKINNY.
If the only reason you are trying to shed those pounds is to weigh less or look skinnier, than I can assure you that you won't get very far. Focus on your health and what is good for your body. Eat good food, get plenty of sleep, exercise frequently, and the rest will fall into place.
2. Relieve some of the pressure.
Don't stress yourself out just because you had a few extra pieces of candy, or missed a workout, or stayed up way too late with your friends. Life happens. Sticking to a strict schedule will not only cause unneeded stress, but it will probably make you less enthusiastic about being healthy. Enjoy your life and find the balance that works for you.
3. Don't compare yourself to others.
With social media it is common to find people posting about their latest health milestones. These are awesome! But it can be easy to start comparing yourself to the people you see online. You start to think that maybe you should workout as much as they do, or maybe you should try the food they eat. You have your own health journey and they have theirs. Support each other, be inspired, and then continue on your own path.
4. Health isn't just physical.
Health isn't just what you eat or how much exercise you get. Physical health is actually only one dimension out of seven. Intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational, and environmental health all make a huge impact on our lives.
I personally love to get massages, it's my way to "treat myself." This lets me improve my emotional health as I am able to let go of my worries, even if it is only for an hour.
Make sure you give each one of these the attention it deserves. Keep your mind stimulated, surround yourself with good people, find ways to let your stress go, find a job that makes you happy, and anything else that is going to make your life better.
5. Keep it fun!
There are so many ways to be healthy so it is easy to find ways to make a healthy life seem fun. I personally HATE running. So I quit forcing myself to do it all of the time. I find myself much happier when I'm waking, biking, or really doing anything else.
There's no reason that you should be miserable while trying to be healthy. Go to a new workout class, try yoga, find unique recipes on Pinterest, include your friends and family! Do what makes you happy and you'll be set.
