The weather is already heating up in Charleston, and as we get into warmer temperatures, we start to think about shedding our pants and long sleeves in favor of shorts, tank tops, and swimwear. As you begin to socialize and show a bit more skin, you may start looking around and noticing what others look like.
Is your neighbor Joe looking more muscular than he did last summer? Did Sue from down the street go through with that tummy tuck? She looks fabulous!
It’s a fine line though, and these kinds of observations can quickly turn into comparisons. You might find yourself comparing your physical appearance to people close to you. Or perhaps you’re comparing your current state to where you were 10 years ago or who you think you should be. (Any of this feeling familiar?)
Using Mindset to Tackle Insecurity
Comparison and the kind of mind games we play with ourselves can lead to insecurity. But where do we go from there? How do we tackle that?
Foundation FIT’s Sylvia Darby recommends the mantra, “mindset over mirror.” This mantra is a constant reminder that in reality, what you see in the mirror is such a small component of who you are.
Unfortunately, we live in a society that puts far too much emphasis on outward appearances. But this fixation on physical appearance has no basis in health. So which will you choose, mindset and health or mirror?
The Mindset Over Mirror Challenge
Physical appearance and health are dramatically different, and just because someone “looks good” in a bikini doesn’t necessarily mean they’re healthy. But rest assured that if you focus on becoming the healthiest version of yourself, your outer appearance will shine and represent that. In addition, the more you eat foods that nourish your body, move your body in the ways it craves to be challenged physically, and focus your mind on thoughts and ideas that support you rather than tear you down, the better off you’ll be with your overall health.
As we get into spring and summer, take time to journal about areas in your life where you can become healthier. Remember, we’re not focusing on what will help you become thinner or better adhere to a societal standard of beauty, but on becoming a healthier, more vibrant version of yourself.
Answer questions like:
- How is your mental health?
- What aspects of your personality do you feel confident about?
- What goals are you working hard toward?
- What are the things that differentiate you from others in a good way?
- What areas of your life do you need to feed that will matter 20 years from now?
- Are you happy with your spiritual health?
- How do you feel each day physically, and are you happy with how much you can do?
- How do you feel about your nutrition, and is the food you’re eating giving you energy?
Thinking about these areas can help drive better decisions regarding your health. And it will put you in a much better mental position than fixating only on what’s in the mirror.
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