With Refire, I focus on what I call the five pillars of health, which are: How We Move, What We Drink, What we Eat, How We Sleep and How We Think.
The Think one always comes as a surprise to clients! When they think about improving their health, they never consider their brains! Our brains, while complex, are funny things. It controls just about everything about us and our thoughts are no different!
A crucial aspect of building self-confidence in health and fitness starts with your thoughts. Believe it or not, the journey to a more confident you begins in your mind. Our thoughts shape our reality, and if we want to improve our self-confidence, we need to start by rewiring the way we think.
Let’s get a bit scientific for a moment…(caution – I am not a scientist in case you weren't aware!)
Our brains are incredibly adaptable, thanks to something called neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. When we repeatedly think certain thoughts, we carve out neural pathways. The more we think a particular way, the stronger and more automatic those pathways become.
Studies show that positive thinking can actually change the structure of your brain. According to research published in Nature Neuroscience, our brains physically grow new connections and pathways in response to our thoughts and experiences.
So, if we constantly tell ourselves that we’re not good enough, that we can’t achieve our fitness goals, or that we’re not athletic, those thoughts become our default mode.
But here’s the good news: we can change those thoughts and, in turn, change our reality.
The Inner Critic vs. The Inner Coach
We’re often our own harshest critics. We say things to ourselves that we would never dream of saying to someone else. Imagine if you spoke to your friends the way you sometimes speak to yourself. They’d probably avoid you! So why do we think it’s okay to treat ourselves that way?
A study in Psychological Science found that self-compassion, treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would a friend, can lead to greater emotional resilience and a more positive mindset.
Steps to Rewire Your Thoughts:
Become Aware of Your Thoughts
The first step is to become aware of your inner dialogue. Pay attention to the thoughts that cross your mind, especially when you’re faced with a challenge or a setback. Are they supportive or critical?
Challenge Negative Thoughts When you notice a negative thought, challenge it. Ask yourself, “Is this thought true? Is there evidence to support it? Would I say this to a friend?” Often, you’ll find that these negative thoughts are unfounded and unfair.
Replace Negative Thoughts with Positive Ones
Once you’ve challenged a negative thought, replace it with a positive, supportive one. For example, instead of thinking, “I’ll never be fit,” try thinking, “I’m taking steps every day to become healthier and stronger.”
Practice Self-Compassion
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and has setbacks, and that doesn’t diminish your worth or your progress.
If you work on changing your thoughts, it will impact your health!
Positive thoughts can boost your motivation, making it easier to stick to your fitness routine and achieve your goals.
When you believe in yourself, you’re more likely to push yourself and perform better in your workouts.
Positive thinking reduces stress and anxiety, leading to better overall mental health.
With a positive mindset, you’re better equipped to handle setbacks and challenges, bouncing back more quickly.
By becoming aware of your inner dialogue, challenging negative thoughts, and practicing self-compassion, you can rewire your brain for success!
If you liked this read, check out this one about 5 ways to kickstart your journey!
Want one on one coaching? Reach out today!
Refire Fitness is active on social media and aims to provide an engaging community with education on fitness, nutrition and mental health. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Comments