Mind Over Matter: Your Brain May Be Stopping You From Losing Weight
Sometimes, Your Mind Is the Only Thing Stopping You From Making Progress on Your Goals
Isn’t this always how it goes? You decide to get into shape. So you start running every day and eating healthy. For a week. And then suddenly the thought of exercise is agony. The brain-body battle is a common struggle for many. No matter how many times we try to start an exercise regimen, our minds convince us there’s something better to do or that it’s too hard.
Your brain may be your only nemesis to getting in better shape. Don’t let it get in the way of reaching your goals and mustering up the motivation to start and stick to a workout.
Let’s rewire your brain so that it’s conditioned for fitness.
Why Can’t I Stick to a Workout?
We often forget that humans are animals. From an evolutionary standpoint, physical activities like running are associated with avoiding predators. It’s hard to want to exert energy if our brain thinks we’re doing it to dodge danger!
It’s also easy to come up with reasons why you shouldn’t work out. The conundrum is that your brain will then justify that thought with some kind of rationale or platitude. For example: I shouldn’t work out because I’m tired today after work. I walked a little more than usual so I’m okay. Tomorrow is Monday so I will start my workout then since it’s a new week. You get the picture.
The problem is we don’t want to invest our time and energy in seemingly pointless endeavors. According to a recent article published by the BBC:
To keep us safe, our brains typically tend to put more significance on risks rather than rewards, meaning we are even more reluctant to take up physically demanding activities.
The trouble with exercise is that it involves consistent commitment and gradual progress. When we don’t see instant results, our brains assume it hasn’t been worth our effort.
Research published in the journal Neuropsychologia shows that it takes more “cortical resources,” or brain activity, to engage in physical activities than sedentary ones. For this reason, “additional resources are required to escape a general attraction toward sedentary behaviors.”
This is where the idea of “mind over matter” comes into play. You need to actively push past the wall that’s stopping you from working out.
How to Rewire Your Brain
The first step towards rewiring your brain for exercise is trading self-deprecation for self-compassion. You need to speak positively to yourself, even if it’s out loud. Tell yourself that you’re not lazy or unmotivated. Repeat a mantra like “I can do this” over and over again until you believe it’s true.
From there, take baby steps instead of looking at the big picture. Come up with a plan that today you’re going to do just five minutes of jumping jacks. Next week, you’ll do those jumping jacks every single day. Gradually build up until you’re doing at least thirty minutes of exercise five times per week.
Another way to reframe your brain is by taking up forms of physical fitness that you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s dancing, riding bikes, or going for long walks with your dog, you’ll be more likely to continue exercising if your brain isn’t even aware that you’re doing it.
Time Magazine takes this tip even further by advising that you make your workouts “serve a double purpose.” Exercise while you talk with a friend, listen to an audiobook, or even as you do chores around the house. You’ll feel like you’re getting tasks done that you want to get done, but you’ll be physically active at the same time.
Free Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow
Exercise is well worth your time and energy. You’ll see brain benefits that are only possible with physical activity.
Increased blood flow to your brain, improving function and memory
Reduced stress receptors in your hippocampus
Lower inflammation
Helps you avoid cognitive decline
Boost of endorphins and dopamine that results in a better mood
It’s time to heed the wise words of R&B girl group En Vogue: “Free your mind and the rest will follow.” Mind over matter will always matter.
Remember, you’re in the pilot seat when it comes to your body. If you get past the brain hurdle stopping you from exercise, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish!
Don’t let yourself stop you from breaking a sweat! Let me know how you plan on using mind over matter to carve out a fitness regimen.
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