SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re diving into a topic that’s close to the bone—literally; taking ownership of your health and wellness by shifting from vanity to vitality. Have you ever found yourself sweating it out at the gym, not for the love of health, but to fit into those jeans from high school? Or perhaps you’ve chosen a salad over a burger, not because you enjoy leafy greens, but because of that looming beach vacation? Taking ownership of your health and wellness isn’t about chasing a number on the scale or squeezing into last year’s shorts—it’s about reclaiming your joy, energy, and freedom. Imagine a life where exercise feels like play, eating well becomes self-care, and you’re motivated by how amazing you feel rather than how you think you should look. It’s time to trade body-shaming for body-celebrating and turn health into your personal happiness project.
Let’s flip the script and explore how taking ownership of our health—both physical and mental—can lead to genuine freedom, rather than being shackled by societal expectations and self-imposed limitations.
Health is a holistic state encompassing physical fitness, mental well-being, and emotional balance. It’s about how we feel, function, and thrive in our daily lives, not just how we look. Understanding this broader perspective allows us to set more meaningful health goals that contribute to our overall quality of life.
I found an insightful article that delves into how body shaming can lead to long-term psychological and physical health issues, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. Not to be a downer but I think we need to start off by coming clean and getting to the heart of the matter.
Dr. Danielle Kelvis shares The Impact of Body Shaming: How It Affects Mental Health
Alex Davies questions Could soft fitness be your workout game-changer?
Now that we’ve unpacked the idea of shifting from vanity to vitality and explored the roots of body shaming, it’s time to talk about how to break the cycle. Taking ownership of your health and wellness isn’t about perfection or ticking off a checklist—it’s about building habits and a mindset that prioritize your happiness, freedom, and well-being. Here are practical steps to help you flip the narrative and take control of your health, both physically and mentally.
- Reframe Your Motivations
Start by redefining your why. Instead of aiming for a certain size or shape, focus on how you want to feel. Maybe it’s more energy to keep up with your kids, a stronger body to tackle that hike, or a calmer mind to handle stress with grace. When your goals are tied to how you live, rather than how you look, they become more meaningful and sustainable.
Try This: Write down three non-aesthetic reasons you want to prioritize your health. Keep this list visible as a daily reminder of your real goals.
- Silence the Inner Critic
That little voice in your head—the one that compares you to others, nitpicks your reflection, and measures your worth by numbers? It’s time to give it a new job. Turn your inner critic into your inner coach. Celebrate small wins, speak kindly to yourself, and replace criticism with encouragement.
Try This: When you catch yourself thinking something negative about your body, pause and reframe. For example, instead of “I hate my thighs,” try “These thighs carry me through my day.”
- Move for Joy, Not Punishment
Exercise doesn’t have to be a grueling chore. It’s not about “burning off” last night’s dessert or earning your next meal. Movement is a celebration of what your body can do! Find activities you love—dancing, swimming, yoga, hiking—and let them be a source of fun and empowerment.
Try This: Experiment with new activities until you find one that feels like play, not punishment. Then, schedule it into your week as a gift to yourself.
- Fuel Your Body with Respect
Ditch the diet mentality that labels foods as “good” or “bad.” Instead, think about nourishment. Choose foods that make you feel strong, energized, and satisfied. It’s not about restriction—it’s about respect for your body.
Try This: Instead of cutting out your favorite foods, add in more of the good stuff—colorful fruits, veggies, whole grains, and proteins—and notice how they make you feel.
- Focus on Mental Health as Much as Physical
Health isn’t just about the body; it’s about the mind, too. Make time for mental self-care: meditation, journaling, therapy, or simply unplugging from screens. A healthy mind is the foundation for making lasting changes to your physical health.
Try This: Start a gratitude journal. Write down three things each day that you’re thankful for about your body and mind.
- Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
The people and messages you surround yourself with can have a huge impact on your mindset. Seek out communities that celebrate all body types, avoid toxic comparisons on social media, and spend time with people who uplift and support you.
Try This: Curate your social media feed by unfollowing accounts that make you feel inadequate and following those that inspire body positivity and health for happiness.
- Be Patient and Compassionate with Yourself
Changing ingrained patterns and beliefs isn’t easy. It takes time, effort, and a lot of self-compassion. Remember, progress isn’t linear. You’ll have setbacks, but they don’t erase your progress. Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d show a friend.
Try This: When you hit a rough patch, remind yourself, “I’m not starting over—I’m continuing from where I left off.”
CHALLENGE: Redefine your approach to health by focusing on activities and habits that enhance your overall well-being, not just your appearance. Embrace this holistic perspective to unlock a happier, freer, and more vibrant version of yourself.
I Know YOU Can Do It!