It’s almost impossible to scroll through social media without being bombarded by ‘quick fixes’, from restrictive diets to intense fitness regimes.

While it’s easy to be swayed by marketing tactics, our health goals take on a whole new meaning when we learn to embrace ourselves as we are.

Let go of perfection

When we create strict rules for ourselves, we set ourselves up for failure – and that’s when self-criticism and self-loathing can creep in. We might even be tempted to quit, since we’re not meeting the impossible standards we’ve set for ourselves.

Try to be more flexible when setting fitness goals, and congratulate yourself on your efforts and achievements whether you meet them or not. For example, if you planned an hour- long jog but only managed 30 minutes, choose to view this as a win. You still moved your body, and that’s what really matters.

View healthier choices as acts of kindness

Too often, we look at healthy eating and exercise as obligations and tasks we have to complete. But with this mindset, we may start to view them as acts of punishment for not meeting certain body standards, fitting into certain clothes, or achieving a certain level of fitness.

Instead, try to see healthier choices as acts of self-compassion. Move your body because it improves your mood, or helps you feel stronger, not because you have to in order to look a certain way. When your reasons for being active aren’t rooted in self-loathing, you’re more likely to enjoy the experience, and stick with it.

Toll-free: 0800 204 555
Request a call back: *134*905#