On the path to find self-love? Here at Curves we know that when a lot of women start on their health & fitness journey, they want to reach a place where they are not only happy with how they look but how they feel. To reach a place where they feel confident on the inside and the outside. To be able to love yourself from the inside out is something we all struggle with but the best way to achieve this is to develop a set of healthy habits that improve not only your physical but mental health.
Tip #1: Find an Exercise You Love
Exercise is an important tool to create a healthy body and a healthy mind as it not only helps you get physically in shape but provides so many other benefits too. When you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins which have been proven to reduce stress, fight feelings of anxiety, boost self-esteem and even improve your sleep.
However. it is important that you find an exercise that you actually enjoy and suits you as an individual. You won't fully commit to something that you don't truly enjoy or can't properly engage in and therefore won't reap the benefits that exercise can bring. Find an exercise that suits your age, capabilities or lifestyle to see it through.
Tip #2 Discover Mindfulness
What exactly is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is as easy as it sounds. It is the practice of being more mindful of the precise moment you're in. It's easy to lose touch with the world around us and always worry about the past and the future. Mindfulness allows you to pay attention to the moment you're in; your thoughts, your feelings, your surroundings.
Being mindful is useful to practice as it allows us to regulate our emotions, take a step back from our thoughts and recognise patterns as well as decrease stress and anxiety.
So how can you become more mindful? Take a few minutes every day to practice mindfulness whilst walking, by eating mindfully, observing your breathing or during your Curves workout! Or alternatively, try taking up meditation.
Tip #3 Sleep Well & Develop an Effective Night-Time and Morning Routine
A good night's sleep is vital to a healthy body and mind as it gives important rest time that allows your body to heal and recover. Getting a good 7-9 hours a night is key to increasing productivity, emotional balance, maximising exercise performance, reducing the risk of illness including heart disease and even help you lose weight! Make sure you're getting enough sleep and read more about the importance of it.
Taking time to create an effective night time and morning routine also allows you to have a little extra time with yourself. This time can be spent reflecting on the day past or the day to come – have you reached your goals today or how can you reach them? Did you stay on track? What can you do to improve? Going to bed early gives you time to reflect at night and time to prepare in the morning. By sleeping well and waking up early you will have no excuse not to have a healthy breakfast, attend an exercise class, get organised for the day and make it a good one.
Tip #4 Eat a Healthy Balanced Diet
Eating a healthy balanced diet is another important key to having a healthy body and healthy mind. By eating a healthy diet you will start to see positive changes both on the inside and the outside. By eating well and working out you will begin to lose weight and improve on your physical fitness. This, in turn, will make you feel more confident about yourself, feel like you have achieved something and give you more energy and motivation to carry on.
We understand that with a busy lifestyle eating healthy can be hard sometimes and that's why we have a range of nutrition-based articles that will help you get started. Try these great winter smoothies and some of our warming soup recipes.
For further support and information on how you can develop a healthier diet, body and mind for 2020 then book a free consultation now or contact your nearest Curves Club.