Physical Health and Burnout Prevention: Prioritizing Wellness to Thrive
If you cringe when seeing another article about physical health, you’re not alone. I get it—I’ve had a rocky relationship with weight, food, and sleep. I knew what I *should* be doing, but wasn’t doing it. Worse, I judged myself for not making changes, which only led to more frustration and inaction. Sound familiar? Then this blog is for you.
I started gaining weight in elementary school. As the comments and bullying piled on, I tried to hide behind baggy clothes and bad posture, but nothing seemed to help. Around the same time, sleep became an issue too. In high school, I lost some weight through choir and musicals, but as I moved into adulthood, working out felt like a chore. Life happened: relationships, a full-time job, and slowly, I fell back into unhealthy habits. Sleep was a constant struggle—hours spent with true crime podcasts hoping to drift off.
During the pandemic, everything hit hard. Sweatpants all day and food as comfort led me to my heaviest weight. It didn’t really hit me until physical limitations—joint pain, high blood pressure, and an inability to go horseback riding with my kid—pushed me to confront my health.
A lot of trial and error led me to where I am today, down about 70 lbs from my heaviest. Here’s what I learned that made the difference for me.
1. Words Are Spells
The way we talk to ourselves isn’t just harmless thought—it becomes the foundation of our reality. Phrases like “I should” or “I can’t” build mental walls, reinforcing the belief that we’re not capable of change. Instead of “shoulding” yourself into guilt, try shifting your language: “What makes me feel good?” or “How can I nourish my body today?” By changing the narrative, you take control of your habits and health.
What empowering words can you start using today to reshape your self-talk?
2. What We Focus on Grows
Have you ever noticed that when you focus on a problem, it seems to get bigger? That’s because our energy amplifies where our attention goes. For instance, if you’re constantly thinking about needing to lose weight, you’re focusing on the lack—what you don’t want. Instead, focus on what you *do* want, like feeling energized, strong, or rested. This shift transforms your decisions, leading you toward the things that serve your goals.
Ask yourself: What am I giving energy to, and how can I redirect it towards what I truly want?
3. We Are What We Consume
Physical health isn’t just about food; it’s about everything we consume—media, conversations, environments. Just as unhealthy food affects our bodies, negative or distressing content affects our minds. I used to listen to true crime podcasts before bed, which contributed to anxiety and poor sleep. Now, I choose uplifting books or gratitude practices that calm my mind. It’s about feeding yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically with things that support your goals.
Reflect: What are you consuming daily, and how is it impacting your overall well-being?
Final Thoughts
The journey to health is deeply personal, but starts with small, sustainable changes that can help us prevent and recover from burnout. What’s one word, focus, or habit you can change today? If you’re ready to explore this journey with guidance, visit my website for free tools, such as my Gratitude Journal, or schedule a complimentary coaching session with me. Let's make meaningful changes together!
