mindset exercises to boost your health journey
As a mindset and health coach, I am always stressing the importance of working on your mindset while working on your fitness & nutrition.
If I didn't think doing the inner work was JUST as impactful as the physical work, I wouldn't make a huge part of my private coaching program all about mindset!
The proof really is in the pudding. I've put this concept to the test with myself AND my clients and have seen real results like:
🔥 My client Katie, who saw a huge increase in her confidence and a positive change in her mindset around the scale while also losing 10 POUNDS!!
🔥 My client Catherine, who overcame perfectionism and said that "there were moments of going over my macros, being under [my macros], not sleeping enough, missing a workout. And I learned that it is OK. It's a lifestyle, you can't be perfect all the time". Bonus: she lost 20 inches all around by eating MORE than she had been, and pushing herself consistently in the gym.
🔥 My client Tricia, who beat imposter syndrome and self-doubt, and told me "I pushed through my doubts and believed I could do this program and succeed". Oh, and lost OVER 12 POUNDS?!
So here are my top mindset exercises to practice alongside of your physical health journey to BOOST it, big time 👏
My TOP mindset-improvement exercise: journaling 📒
Don't skip over this one if the thought of journaling has always made you cringe!
The truth is, journaling should not be a stressful experience!
It can be as simple as writing ONE thing that’s on your mind so that you can get it onto paper and out of your head.
I think a lot of the time, we avoid journaling because we think it’s supposed to be “perfect” and structured and time-consuming.
But it can actually be messy, quick, and random.
I like to keep things simple myself. I usually either follow my Five Minute Journal prompts (which saves me from thinking about it too much), or I write down 3 things I'm grateful for, 3 things I want to achieve that day, and 3 amazing things that happened already that day.
It's incredible how powerful such a simple exercise can be!
However, if you already know all of this and still just don’t love journaling, there are so many other quick ways to help improve your mindset.
Quick mindset-improvement exercises that AREN'T journaling:
Decluttering your environment. A decluttered space usually supports a decluttered mind! And that means thinking more clearly, and a LOT less anxiety.
Envisioning the kind of day you want to have and doing something that will get you there. This puts you into a goal-oriented mindset and the mindset of the person you aspire to be pretty dang quickly.
Meditating (yes, even 5 minutes counts). Meditation is actually a great way to get into a GROWTH mindset, because it takes practice... and isn't always easy! See it as a challenge and you'll grow a little each time you try it.
Doing a deep breathing exercise. Deep, intentional breathing has been proven to relax the body and promote mindfulness. And mindfulness practices (like meditation) build your mindset!
Taking breaks when you really need one. This supports a "rest is OKAY" mindset. Rest means recovery, yet so many of us feel lazy when we take breaks. You are not lazy, you're taking care of yourself!
Reframing negative thoughts. For example: “I’m lazy” can be reframed into “Look how far I’ve come. I’m not lazy, I just rest when I need to”. This is a great 24/7 mindset practice that you can try any time you catch those negative thoughts creeping in.
Summer & next steps!
If you really want to upgrade your health journey, focus on having a healthy mindset too!
There are SO many ways to shift your mindset from negative, fixed, and perfectionistic towards positive, open to growth, and accepting of all outcomes.
I am here to help! My private program is ALL encompassing, and will get you on the way to a happy, healthy mindset and body.
You can always contact me directly through my website, or shoot me a DM on Instagram @madeline_grace or @madstrengthcoaching.
