Positive Self Talk

Be Kinder to Yourself

When was the last time you gave yourself a positive pep talk or even acknowledged when you did something well? For many of us it’s been far too long. Statistically only 5% of individuals who “diet” successfully keep the weight off. The reason the weight usually creeps back on is because most “diets” only change what you are eating and don’t address the thoughts or behaviors associated with destructive eating patterns.

Positive thinking and positive self talk can do more in aiding weight loss and an overall healthy lifestyle than just diet alone. Feeling better about yourself gives you the confidence to make better choices to lead a happier and healthier life.

As great as positive self talk sounds, it is something that takes time and dedication to implement. While implementing positive self talk you are rewiring your brain. This means the next time you put on clothes, instead of looking at yourself and criticizing the parts of you that you don’t like, challenge yourself to speak positively and find things you do like about yourself. What could you say to yourself that is more constructive?

Start by identifying negative thoughts and beliefs about your ability to be physically active. What made you start believing these negative thoughts to be true? Once you’ve identified these thoughts that aren’t beneficial to your growth, what could you say instead to combat them with something positive?

Positive self talk takes time to develop. Don’t beat yourself up if you catch yourself slipping into negative thought patterns, instead recognize that you were able to identify it and correct it. Then give yourself a pat on the back. That’s a step in the right direction.