Reviveyourlife

or how to rephrase negative self talk.

Negative self talk often happens in our mind before we make a decision not to do exercise as planned. It is very insidious and can undo all our plans to get healthy and fit again.

It is usually associated with stress and conflicted feelings. If you can become acutely aware of your negative self talk concerning health and fitness activities like exercise, you can examine the beliefs that underly it and then change your thinking.

Anticipating negative self talk and having an alternative can help you carry on with your planned routine instead of trying to talk your self out of doing the necessary work.

Pay special attention the thoughts that cause you stress. If you have a history of exercise dropout, you might need to actually record the negative self talk that gave you the excuses to skip exercise.

Write the negative self talk down for a week or two every time you detect it. Then examine it. Which statements are about real problems that need solving as opposed to weak excuses?

Then look at recurring themes. Common misconceptions that lead to negative self talk reflect our underlying beliefs and values. An example is “Exercise is a waste of time. I have more important things to do with my time”. In fact, health is a priority, and exercise is essential for maintaining the good health you need to do the “important things”.

Do any of these phrases sound familiar to you?

Excuse: I’m too tired to work out today.
New Thinking: I’m just trying to convince myself not to exercise. But I’m going exercise even though I feel tired, and I know I’ll feel great after my workout. Exercise is great stress relief too.

Excuse: I’m much too busy to exercise today. I’ll do it tomorrow.
New Thinking: I am really busy today, but I’m always busy. Tomorrow is not going to be much different. I’m still going to take my lunch break and head out for the gym. The exercise will give me energy and help me get more done this afternoon. In fact if I get 3 10 minute bouts of fairly intense exercise, I will still get a nice cumulative benefit no mater how busy I get.

Excuse: It won’t hurt if I just skip one day.
New Thinking: I use this excuse too often. One day turns into one month and then one year. Exercising today will help me feel great and will reinforce my commitment to staying active. i really need to make it an ongoing habit, just like brushing and flossing my teeth.

Excuse: This exercise program is a waste of time. I’ve got more important things to do.
New Thinking: I need regular exercise to stay healthy and manage stress. What’s more important than my health? Staying healthy is just as important my work, and I must make time each day to take care of myself so I stay healthy. Then I can work more effectively.

Excuse: People may think I am shirking my responsibilities if I go to my noon exercise class. I’ll look more responsible if I work through my lunch hour.
New Thinking: Health. Family. Work. Those are my priorities, in that order. I’ve made a commitment to my exercise class and I will go as planned. Responsible workers take care of their health.

Excuse (I love this one): I’m too old for this. It’s not doing me any good and I look silly.
New Thinking: Exercise is important at all ages. In fact, exercise will slow the aging process. I need this exercise as much as anyone, and I’m starting see more people my age exercising.

And last. Most folks spend the majority of their working lives neglecting their health and focusing on career and making money.

They then spend their twilight years spending all the money they made trying to get their health back.

Doesn’t it make more sense to stay healthy first?

Call or email me to show you how to eliminate the self talk that is stopping you from reaching your wellness goals.