Five tips to invite positivity into your life
Having been a Pilates teacher for over five years now, I’m still amazed and humbled by the positive change I can make in people’s lives. Acting on the decision to improve yourself through exercise can have far-reaching effects – not just on your physical appearance, but also on your body and spirit. I consider this one of the most important lessons that I give to my students and the local community. Providing an outlet and a means for people to improve their physical and mental well-being so they are more confident within themselves and their body is one of the most rewarding experience for me as a teacher.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS HOW YOU CAN INVITE POSITIVITY INTO YOUR LIFE
EXERCISE DAILY
Joining a group class is a wonderful way to meet new people, connect with your body and self and improve your physical and mental wellbeing. The great thing about Pilates is that it not only tones and sculpts your body, but it also makes you more aware of your posture. Being mindful of how your body moves and supports itself can help with your body’s natural healing processes. [1]
CELEBRATE LITTLE ACHIEVEMENTS
When you first make the decision to focus on your health and well-being it’s important that you not expect huge change straight away. If your expectations don’t fit your reality you open yourself up to disappointment. Rather, to maintain your motivation and positivity, try to celebrate little achievements. For example, if you’ve started exercising and eating well because you want to lose weight you might start to feel frustrated that it’s taking a long time to achieve your goals. Rather than focus on this negative emotion, celebrate the fact that you feel stronger, fresher and more vibrant just by making the effort.
REMEMBER:
Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. ~Benjamin Franklin
FOCUS ON YOURSELF, NOT OTHERS
Comparing ourselves to others is a hard habit to break, as it’s very natural to compare ourselves to the people we come in contact with. However, if you’re holding yourself to some standard of beauty or success that makes you feel bad about yourself, it’s time to break the toxic habit! To invite positivity in your life, try focussing on your own body and what it can do, rather than comparing yourself with your neighbour or a glossy magazine cover girl. We are all unique in our appearance and abilities. Focus on you!
SOCIALISE
Socialising has a strong influence on our health and wellbeing! Socialising can reduce symptoms of depression, alleviate stress and increase cognitive function. [2] There is a certain energy that surrounds positive social interactions, we’ve all felt it. It has an intangible quality, hard to define but we know it’s there! Socialising can help you feel more hopeful and optimistic so don’t pass up every opportunity to get out there and mingle. And remember – smile with your eyes and encourage those positive connections!
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Self-belief has incredible power. It helps you to be more resilient, goal orientated and responsive. Believing in yourself helps to strengthen your self-esteem and confidence, opening you up to receive positive experiences that you may not have had if you’d let doubt and uncertainty rule. To build confidence and belief in yourself try repeating positive affirmations during your day like:
I approve of myself and love myself deeply and completely.
I am unique. I feel good about being alive and being me.
I appreciate everything I have. I live in joy.
I choose to be happy right now. I love my life. [3]
Are you ready to invite positivity into your life and want to get fit and healthy and meet new people check out our classes.
[1] http://www.mindful.org/the-healing-power-of-mindfulness/
[2] http://blog.citysocializer.com/why-socialising-can-make-you-happier-and-healthier/
[3] http://businessheroinemagazine.com/27-daily-affirmations-to-boost-self-esteem-and-develop-self-confidence/