At One on One, we believe strongly in adhering to “Core Beliefs” as an effective tool to maintain perspective and facilitate long-lasting habit change. As fitness professionals, we often speak about the “Core Beliefs” to help our clients identify false narratives and adopt a more positive mindset.
This week at One on One, our team banded together to support each other and our clients through the continued fallout of COVID-19. More than ever, we depended on our “Core Beliefs” to guide us, stay true to ourselves and help hold each other accountable.
For this week’s Focus Point of the Week, we felt it appropriate to share the “Core Beliefs” that help us maintain a positive mindset and be a source of encouragement.
- We must care for ourselves first before we can care for others.
We cannot expect to care for others well if we do not take time to care for ourselves. Self-care may look different for you during this time, but one strategy that is always accessible is deep breathing. Deep breathing releases tension, reduces anxiety, and promotes a state of relaxation.
- We always have choices.
We may not have control over our circumstances, but we do have control over our reaction to those circumstances. Prioritizing self-care moves us to acknowledge and process our thoughts and emotions, which helps us to remain calm under pressure.
- We must foster an attitude of gratitude versus one of deprivation.
This is not meant to minimize current struggles, but rather to shift focus to the many positives. For example, time is often cited as a roadblock to neglecting the “back burner”. Now we have nothing but time! This is the opportunity to do that project you’ve always been meaning to get around to, begin daily corrective exercise, or spend more quality time with your family (even if it’s virtually). In essence, count your blessings.
- We must be willing to stretch ourselves and get out of our comfort zone.
We each have a different comfort zone and different ways to stretch ourselves. However, what is widely needed at this time is support, encouragement, and connection. Can you step outside your comfort zone and reach out to someone who could use a few kind words? Can you be more intentional to connect deeply with family and friends?
- We must practice acceptance.
We have to accept life on life’s terms. That is not an easy thing to do, now more than ever. Practicing acceptance does not mean that we like the way things are or even that we agree with it. Practicing acceptance means that we choose to let go of what we cannot control, rather than allowing negative emotions to get the best of us.
Practicing even just one of the “Core Beliefs” can help to positively impact your health during these times of uncertainty. Remember, health is not purely physical. Health is multi-dimensional; it is the culmination of physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual wellness. This next week, we challenge you to take inventory of how to make deposits into all areas of health and to reflect upon how this influences your wellbeing.
