LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE YET!

It’s so easy to put your health and wellness on the back burner. We say things like, “I really want to lose this weight, I want to get back to the gym or I’m tired of feeling tired and having zero motivation to get moving.” It seems like there’s always something else to do. Then we’re left feeling exhausted while searching for the next series on Netflix.

Your body and brain are deeply connected and in constant contact with each other. The thoughts you think, usually negative for some reason, will keep you from achieving above and beyond. The voices in our heads will hold us back and tell us we don’t have what it takes. But, in fact, you DO have what it takes. The human body is capable of so much more than we realize. We just have to believe that we always have more in the tank.

It’s very easy to put your health on hold as long as you’re healthy. The old adage, you “don’t miss something until it’s gone,” rings true. Why wait for the diagnosis to start taking your health seriously? Isn’t it worthy of your attention NOW while you ARE healthy?  

Look at your self-care habits now while you’re reading this. Ask yourself a few simple questions:

1. Do I put others’ needs before mine or let work consume me?
2. Do I set time daily for movement, stretching or strength building?
3. Do I fuel my body and brain in a way that leaves me energized or feeling sluggish?
4. Do I prioritize my sleep habits so I wake each day feeling ready to take on the day?

These are all very important questions. Most likely, you’ve probably answered “no” to more than one. Your body is a precision machine capable of so much. Just as you wouldn’t put low-octane gas in your Ferrari, you shouldn’t put low-octane gas (processed food, alcohol, sugar) into your body. 

How can you turn your mindset around today? Here are a few simple strategies to implement in order to put your health at the top of the priority list:

1. Set aside 30 minutes 5-6 times weekly to move your body. Take a brisk walk even if the weather isn’t ideal. Walking provides a meditative experience and has demonstrated the ability to reduce cortisol levels (stress hormones). Engaging in a post-meal walk aids digestion and contributes to improved sleep quality.
2. Speak self-affirmations upon waking and going to sleep. Consciously adopt an “attitude of gratitude” and vocalize the aspects of your life you are grateful for. This does wonders for your mindset.  
3. Put down sugar and alcohol as a means of self-soothing. Both substances harm your health, providing only temporary relief from pain. When the numbness wears off, the stressor is still there. Instead, exercise and meditate, which will work wonders and have lasting benefits for your well-being.
4. You have to “adult,” meaning push yourself to do the things you don’t want to. This is the only way you can kick out bad habits. It’s much harder, but you can’t cave and say, “I just don’t have the motivation.” That’s a cop-out. Turn it around and say, “Today, I will do something good for my body and brain.” 

Here’s my point, YOU have to put yourself first. Yes, even before your kids or work. You have to practice self-care and self-love daily. Don’t wait for your doctor to tell you something you don’t want to hear or write prescriptions for medications you don’t need. Your body is fully equipped with all that you need to be strong, energetic, happy, and fulfilled. But you have to do the work. No one is coming to make you do it.  

I’m also excited to announce my Midlife Mastery channel on the Muscle & Fitness+ platform. Midlife Mastery aims to show women that this is the best time in their lives. Women learn lifestyle modifications to help balance the hormonal changes experienced over 40/50 & beyond. This is such an important time in a woman’s life as it directly correlates with how they will go through the aging process. Midlife Mastery teaches women how to live long, strong, and vibrant. We can’t stop the aging process, but we can control how we feel, look, and move as we go down the path of life.  

For media appearances, consulting, seminars, or speaking engagements please email me at: lindaifbbpro@gmail.com.

If you desire more ways to take your life by the horns, please reach me at:

lindaiffbbpro@gmail.com or visit my website to book a complimentary call with me at www.lindamstephens.com. 

Linda M. Stephens- Owner, Linda Stephens Fitness, LLC