Treat Yourself Like A Friend Today

Balance

I’m so stupid! I look fat! I shouldn’t have done that! Do any of these phrases sound familiar? Most of us tell ourselves mean things like this every day. These unkind words can lead to depression, anxiety, lower performance levels and make you less resilient. So how do we act like a better friend to ourselves?

I haven’t been in a studio to teach for almost a year. The situation has been beyond my control, but I had some negative self-talk surfacing recently, which was “Will I remember how to teach on equipment again?” I used the tips I’m sharing with you here to make an adjustment. 

  1. Take notice of the negative self-talk. Our thoughts run nonstop. So, when that voice in our head says something unkind, make a note on your phone or write it down. Think about what happened just before that may have prompted the less-than-kind talk.
  2. Ask yourself, “Would I say this to a good friend?” When that negative self-talk comes up again, imagine your good friend. Would you say that to them? Once you get more positive words, start saying them to yourself.
  3. A Mindfulness Meditation practice can help. It’s known to reduce anxiety and tendencies to ruminate on negative thoughts and emotions. Insight Timer is a great app that you can use anytime. Meditate to music or find a guided meditation that helps you shift into a positive frame of mind on demand. 

With these tips, I reminded myself that of course I’ll know how to use the equipment – it’s only been a year. I’ve been teaching for over 12 years (that’s my positive reframing!). And Pilates is what I love to do! For this past year I am so grateful for my amazing Zoom clients who are dedicated and work so hard. 

So, I recently decided to double down. Here’s something positive and new – I’ve created a new home studio with my own Pilates equipment that will be ready for one-on-one, in-person sessions soon. This means you’ll be able to work out in a safe, clean space as the only private client there. If you haven’t been doing Pilates and want to get ready for privates, joining me on Zoom is a great way to give yourself a kind re-entry.

Here’s to random acts of kindness to ourselves.  Here’s to treating ourselves as we do our good friends. And if we ever get off track, here’s to friends who remind us how wonderful we really are.