How to find lasting motivation in self-care?

It helps to paint the picture with a case study, and I’m not afraid to get personal about this.

I have been an erratic fitness and health enthusiast before, with lots of random boasts of intense but short-lived effort in all directions. Very true to my vata side, I would get bored quickly, dissatisfied with the results, or simply sick of the regimen. #humannature

I tried it all but couldn’t make it stick somehow. Why? Do you relate?

Now, fast-forward many years, and I have a diligent physical exercise routine and many health habits that have become second nature. As I write this, I realize I didn’t notice it happening!

I still try to add to my self-care and continuously improve the game. Sometimes, the ball drops. I tend not to prioritize myself.

But remember, we are never after perfection, just consistency!

On average, I have been doing 5-7 Pilates/ yoga/ stretching sessions per week at home and have not skipped ONE for years. Some I’ve rescheduled, but I would always show up. What changed?

What made this different from my attempts before?

Mind you, as all personal trainers will conform- exercising at home, alone, isn’t easy. Most people do better with classes, community, and allocated trainers that motivate them.

Somehow, I went from being the most inconsistent to ultra-fixated, and the only thing that allowed that was a mindset change. Bear with me; it is free for all.

Every action rooted in hate (including self-hate), a negative perception of self, attempts at self-punishment, contempt, or a lack of self-acceptance… will end in a negatively polarised result.

It is a game changer when you switch to believing that you deserve to be your healthiest self, feel great, have fun, and do right by your body.

“Oh, not this positive rubbish again,” I hear you say. But really …. This is IT.

I’ve started doing only exercises that I really enjoy (yoga, Pilates, weighted Pilates, swimming, dancing, walking). It wasn’t to achieve anything anymore; there was no goal or finishing line.

Yes, I still wish for some gains in my health, but these are secondary. My self-care is oriented towards longevity, enjoyment, and feeling amazing; this is where the effort comes from.

No regimes, strict rules, no forcing myself. Movement is a privilege. Health is a blessing; you deserve to live life to the fullest and feel amazing in your skin! Do what allows you to feel that way because you deserve it.

With this attitude, taking care of yourself becomes natural. It is a game changer; once you have felt this self-love, you can’t go back.

And that ‘treat day’ to reward yourself if you have been ‘extra good’?

Good and bad? There is no need for all that judgment around food. Moderation is key to making it sustainable. Self-hate and strict deprivation will not achieve long-lasting life changes. 

The real treat is taking care of yourself.

A slight mindset shift can yield a powerful avalanche of results. If you fall in love with your new way of living, you never have to worry about ditching the course.

I like to pick high-quality food options (most of the time) because I like how they make my body feel.

I like to move my body because I like how it feels to go through life being fit. The quality of life it allows.

But mostly, I love the effects of good food and lifestyle on my mental health and cognitive functioning.

These are my mantras now.

One size doesn’t fit all. It needs to work for YOU.

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