Now we’re on to part 4 of our “Costs of being healthy” and now this portion is going to be about the mental costs. Mental costs include but are not limited to stress, knowledge, motivation, and attitude. These factors are not mutually exclusive but they tie into one another multiple ways and this portion is going to highlight those relationships.
Let’s start off with the positive and negative attitudes people have toward working out and getting fit. Most of people out there who aren’t already doing something about their health wish they could or could find the motivation to do it. When they decide that they “can’t,” they start having a negative attitude toward the whole concept. Then one thing leads to another and they never seem to have any success. I like to call this the slippery slope. It’s just one bad decision after another. It starts off by a mother who wants to lose the baby weight says, “yes, I want to get in shape now.” Funds might be tight and she can’t afford a workout program or join the gym so she starts walking outside with her family. The weather turns bad and she can no longer take those walks. She sits in the house, looks for other types of workouts, tries a few, realizes she could be doing something more productive, and then the kids wake up from their naps. Finally she says to herself that she can’t possibly fit this in and boom, right back to where she started. She’s feeling defeated. I know that mom, woman… I’ve been her!
It’s the same with positive attitudes. If you are able to ignore the negative, you can continue the “slippery slope” but in the other direction.. UP. If you are able to surround yourself with ways to be better and making better choices, you’re not going to see the negative. For example, if I were always thinking what could go wrong, I would never have the opportunity to see what could go RIGHT! It’s the same with fitness and being healthy. If you are able to sit down and create a timeline of your day incorporating 30 minutes of working out somewhere in there, you are going to make time for that 30 minutes because you’ve already planned it. An added perk to working out is that you are going to feel SO much better. Your body will release those endorphins to make you feel better and you can continue to have a positive attitude to take into the next day.
Knowledge is power but not having the right knowledge can lead to those negative thoughts and continue the slippery slope. There is a lot, and I mean A LOT, of information out there on the internet these days. Just the other day I saw that drinking a glass of wine could replace 30 minutes on the treadmill. I’m sorry, but I don’t see how that is possible. The way I feel after 30 minutes of running/walking on the treadmill does not give me the same great feeling that ONE glass of wine does. That is just one example. But on the other side of the coin, there is a plethora of great information out there. You just have to know how to find it.
Sometimes people who have physical restrictions get discouraged from trying a workout program because they feel it’s too hard. They might see programs be advertised on TV and think, “wow, I could never do that. I might as well not even try because I’ll end up hurting myself.” Okay, let’s get one thing straight. Do you really think those people who created those exercise programs were always as clean cut as they are now? A lot of trainers were overweight children and now they are out there hoping to inspire people to make a better lifestyle for themselves and their families. My best advice is to check both sides of the conversation. Don’t believe the first thing you read because there is some type of workout for everyone!
Which leads me to my next point, motivation. A lot of times people do not have the motivation to go out there and do something on their own that they’ve never tried before. They might not have a workout partner, supportive spouse or family member, trainer, or group of friends that cheer them on. But, in order to achieve success, you’ve got to find a support group. There are a lot of support groups on social media and any of them would be glad to support someone who’s trying to get healthy. Before I had success with 21 Day Fix, I was part of a support group that kept each person accountable for the meals they had during the day. It was simple but it made me aware of what I was putting in my body because I’d be posting about it later. That is only one example but a great one to keep in mind when you’re needing some motivation!
My last topic on mental costs is going to be geared toward stress. There are both negative and positive types of stress. Both are in our day to day lives but most people see stress as being a bad thing. A lot of people have anxiety issues or panic attacks because they are so overwhelmed with their lives that they need meds or whatever else. I’ve known people who have even self medicated because they “couldn’t deal with the problems of life.” You know what, there are times when I can’t deal with the problems of life either. That’s when you take a step back, breathe, and figure it out. Not everyone deals with stress the same way and finding the way to work out your problems is half the battle. A friend of mine is currently dealing with some issues and she’s taking baby steps to make changes in her life. I commend her greatly because with all the things that are going on in her life, new job, personal relationship issues, health concerns, and a newfound excitement for a better lifestyle, she has a right to be stressed! Most of these things are negative stressors but when you’re learning to live more healthy, that is a very positive stressor. When you have mostly negative stress in your life, you’re not going to want to find time for yourself.
If something like changing your eating plan, meal planning in general, exercise, or having a positive attitude are stressing you out, maybe you should consult someone who’s been there for advice on how to better manage your tasks. Someone who can help you lower your stress level will only help you. You’ll be able to seek out other ways of being healthy, you’ll have a better attitude about working out everyday, you’ll want to be fueling your body with healthy foods, and then everything else falls into place. You might stress about how you’re going to make a healthy meal for your family, but isn’t that the point? Let’s be honest here and if you’ve been reading along with me, you know I like being honest. If you’re making a healthy meal but having some trouble finding a recipe, Pinterest it! The end result is going to be a healthy meal for your family and you've got a point in the WIN column. So what, you stressed about whether or not your 8 year old is going to like whole grain pasta instead of wheat pasta. He’s eating it and doesn’t even taste the difference. Get over it! You’ve already won! Or let’s say you’re stressing about the workout that evening. Max Out Cardio, Yoga X, or Pilates Fix… do the workout and when you’re done, it’s over. You did the workout, you finished it. Another example… you just ordered a new flavor of Shakeology and aren’t sure how you’re going to finish the whole bag of Vegan Chocolate. Oh wait, hey there Pinterest! Boom a whole 30 day supply of recipes waiting for you. These are all OK things to stress about because in the end, you’re on a track to a healthier, more fit you!
In conclusion, I’d like to say that there are probably a lot more mental costs but these are the heavy hitters, in my opinion, that a lot of people think about. Sometimes they don’t think about it until they’ve already gotten into the gym but some of these things go through their mind. I know because it’s happened to me. I am not in anyway someone who’s had it easy in the weight department and I know that I have to work extra hard to see the results I want. Keep a positive attitude and surround yourself with supportive people. Great things will happen!
