Leaning towards health not only makes us feel better, but like ourselves more.
“I used to only like my eyebrows”
That’s what my friend said to me yesterday while we were watching ourselves in the mirror working out at the gym yesterday.
She is in great shape. She’s got 3 boys under 7 and everyday fits in a workout for herself at home. Slowly over the past few years she’s been getting heavier weights and kettle bells and it’s paying off. She looks strong and healthy.
“Now, that I’ve been working out for a while, I have so many things I like about myself!” She said with a big smile.
This is the power of choosing health, and it’s not only exercise, but small shifts towards health in our lifestyles often lead to bigger shifts and bigger rewards.
In her case, exercise led her to appreciate her body and appearance more. It also has influenced her food choices and how she feeds her family. Everyone is benefiting from her choices.
In my own life, I have found that there has rarely been a correlation between my size and how good I felt about myself. I have been 10 pounds lighter and up to 40 lbs heavier (pregnancy and post pregnancy). As long as I was exercising I felt beautiful. Even at my smallest, I didn’t see myself as well as at my heaviest when I was working out.
The lean towards health also influences other healthy behaviors. Often we naturally start to make healthier food choices once we start working out. Once we get a taste of how good we feel, we want to do more things that make us feel good.
Exercise and diet of course aren’t the only ways to feel good about ourselves and within ourselves. However, they are a great starting point because our bodies influence our minds and emotional states. Studies show that healthy bodies hold onto positive emotions more readily and increase more positive moods.
One of my personal mottos for years has been, “health is the best fashion accessory.” Feeling healthy in my mind, body, and spirit makes me feel way more beautiful than a pair of $300 jeans and a hot pair of shoes ever could. Clear eyes and a genuine smile win every time.
I’d love to hear from you now, what makes you feel beautiful? What are your favourite ways to feel healthy? And what do you like best about yourself? Tell me all about it in the comments below!