Frightening Phrases
It is spooky season and in this post, I am sharing some of the scariest things that you can say when it comes to your health and wellness. This list spans both your physical and mental health, but as we often talk about, it is all connected and interrelated. Check out the list below and notice how many you regularly say.
“I am so busy.” Everyone’s favorite saying! I have written about this before; it is easy to glorify busy-ness, but there are negative effects to being busy all the time. There can be constant pressure to always be moving and doing, which can lead to added stress and anxiety, as well as stop us from having time to do things we want to do. Try changing your language from “I don’t have time” to “It’s not important to me.” This can help to highlight what you are really sacrificing by being busy all the time.
“I never get out in nature.” The benefits of being out in nature are almost hard to believe. It reduces stress, anxiety, anger, and fear, and increases creativity, joy, and pleasant feelings. Getting outside and into nature is crucial for overall health and wellbeing.
“I usually sleep less than six hours a night.” Poor sleep has a number of negative consequences, including memory issues, weakened immunity, weight gain, and mood changes. Nearly one-third of people sleep less than six hours and I am always amazed at just how much better I feel and operate after a good night’s rest. Do whatever you need to do in order to get at least 7 hours of solid sleep a night - put the phone down, turn the TV off, create a relaxing night time routine, and get that sleep.
“I never take quiet, alone time.” Quiet, alone time is essential, yet it can be very difficult to get. This time allows us to be alone with our thoughts, know ourselves better, and can often help us recognize areas in our life that we want to change. Alone time can also increase creativity, reduce anxiety, and increase mental strength. Schedule at least 10 minutes a day of alone time in your calendar, I promise you will come to cherish it.
“I mostly get take out or eat at restaurants.” Cooking your own meals is one of the best things you can do for your physical health. It allows you to control the ingredients and portions, is better for your wallet, and can bring a sense of satisfaction and happiness. Try cooking at least one meal a day at home. And if you need recipe inspiration, check out this post.
“I am constantly stressed.” We live in stressful times and it is crucial to have a stress relief practice - whether it is meditation, journaling, or breathwork in order to combat the many negative effects that stress can have both physically and mentally.
“I don’t pay attention to ingredient labels.” There have been so many times that I have grabbed a product off the shelf, flipped it around and been shocked at what is in that product. Reading ingredient lists can help you identify what you are actually eating and notice when things that probably do not need to be in there have been added, i.e. added sugar.
“I feel lonely.” Studies have shown that loneliness is one of the biggest risk factors for poor health, nearly on par with smoking and obesity. Having a community is essential to living a healthy and happy life. Reach out and connect regularly to the people in your life or go out in the community to create connections.
“I only do cardio.” While cardio is excellent for heart health and can give you that exercise high, there are huge benefits to incorporating other types of exercise, especially resistance training into your routine. Strength training will help you build muscle, strengthen your bones, boost your metabolism, and increase balance. Start slow with basic movements and go up as you build strength.
Let’s be honest, we have all probably uttered at least some of these at some point in our lives. Don’t freak out or get scared, but notice it, and think about making a change if you are uncomfortable with the consequences!
