~re-frame a negative mindset~

*Sensitive topic (body image/etc), please don’t read if uncomfortable.*

• Before I start my lil’ talk, today marks the start of Natonal Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDA). If you need support I encourage you to lean into your support systems like family & friends, as well as trusted health professionals. There are also many sites to seek help and support that can offer coping mechanisms & start a healthy conversation.

• Sometimes I’m hard on myself. Whether it’s a bad body image day, I feel fatigued or sore during my run or workout, I didn’t do well on an exam, etc. I used to cope with this by overexercising & restricting what I ate. These unhealthy habits can lead to negative health impacts like eating disorders, bone injuries, the female athlete triad, unhealthy weight loss, poor mental health, etc.

• It’s important that if you too have unhealthy coping mechanisms, we work to reframe our mindsets. Turn those unhealthy habits to healthy ones. Here are some reminders that have helped me:

1) Movement & exercise should make your body & mind feel good; It should NEVER feel like a & chore or punishment.

2) A healthy relationship with food means to give our bodies enough nutrients. It shouldn’t be a scary topic, in fact it should be fun to make or enjoy a variety of foods.

3) I found that running, yoga, journaling, & being in nature makes me feel grounded.

• God made each of us beautifully unique. Give yourself the love, patience, & life you deserve. 🙂 Find movement that makes your body & mind feel good, enjoy doing things with your family & friends, find hobbies that make you feel calm. And as cheesy as it sounds, keep being the perfectly imperfect you because that’s more than enough. ❤