The SECRET to weight loss and sticking with healthy habits is (drum roll please)…
>>> SELF-COMPASSION <<<
We are all taught the OPPOSITE: You need to be a self-criticizer…you need to get serious…you need to be a bully…to motivate yourself into healthy habits.
BUT…research finds that being KIND to yourself as opposed to beating yourself up, leads to healthier actions.
THIS meta-analysis looked at 15 research studies of more than 3,000 people and discovered a link between self-compassion and eating better, exercising more, getting more restful sleep, and stressing less. People who were more self-compassionate practiced these healthy habits more often. Whoa.
*BONUS study* When researchers taught dieters to practice self-compassion after eating a donut they ate less…while the dieters who beat themselves up ate more.
LESSON: Self-compassion is the KEY to consistent healthy habits.
How can you start practicing self-compassion? When you catch yourself saying negative, self-critical things that make you feel guilty and shameful…CHOOSE to say the opposite instead. Read more about the Catch & Flip method of creating happier & healthier self-talk >>HERE<<.
Giving ourselves a break & accepting our imperfections is the first step toward better health. Practicing self-compassion helps stop the cycle of self-sabotage. #BeNice
Lorraine says
This is very helpful info. I’m saving it so I can keep reminding myself to use it. Thank you
DJ Blatner, RDN says
Thanks Lorraine for your high vibe feedback! Great idea to save this to keep it top of mind! xx