The Wellness Series: Physical Wellness isn’t What the Media Says…
I used to think I was "healthy," but now I am more healthy than ever. No, it wasn't because of my youth or a specific diet. It recognized what my body needed and what it didn't. This didn't start with a diet, checking off all the healthy things on my list, or even talking with a trainer. It started with my desire and patience to take small steps to feel physically well on my timeline. For example, I realized I needed to cut back on caffeine and eat more balanced meals. Instead of eating out for every meal, I started cooking more meals at home. And rather than working out for hours daily, I started incorporating short walks into my daily routine.
These small changes made a big difference in how I felt physically. Not only did I have more energy, but I wasn't as bloated or uncomfortable. And slowly but surely, I began seeing results in my weight and physique. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with wanting to slim down or get toned - but that should never be your only goal.
Physical health is about so much more than just looking a certain way. It's about feeling good in your skin, having loads of energy, and being able to do the things you love without feeling limited. So don't be afraid to experiment and find out what works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to physical health - so find what makes you feel good and go for it!
Here is what I know from countless attempts at following trends:
Knowing how to begin living a lifestyle influenced by our needs rather than by the fads we see everywhere can be difficult. One way to start is by identifying what is important to us and what makes us happy. This may involve doing some soul-searching and thinking about the things we enjoy doing and the things we feel are important in our lives. Once we have a better understanding of ourselves, we can start looking for advice and tips from sources that we trust and that align with our values.
If you want some credible sources on body image and disordered eating from people of color here is a blog to check out.
Someone somewhere needs to hear this…
It is important to be mindful of the messages we receive from the media and other external sources and to remember that not everything works for everyone. Ultimately, it is up to us to decide what is best for us and to find our way of living a healthy and happy life.
It can be difficult to know how to begin to love ourselves as we are and choose a lifestyle that is influenced by our own needs rather than by the fads we see everywhere. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the different "tips" and advice, it's important to remember that the best thing you can do is focus on what works for you. Everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. So don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
If you're looking for some guidance, here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Be patient - It takes time and patience to develop a healthy lifestyle based on your needs. Don't expect to change everything overnight, and don't be hard on yourself if you slip up sometimes. Keep trying your best; eventually, you'll find what works for you.
2. Be realistic - Don't try to adopt an unrealistic or restrictive lifestyle. Finding a balance between what you want and what you can realistically achieve is important. If your goals are too ambitious, you're likely to become discouraged and give up before you even start.
3. Find your support network - A strong support network is essential to developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Surround yourself with positive people who will encourage and support you, no matter what.
4. Make small changes - When making changes to your lifestyle, it's important to start small and gradually increase the intensity over time. This way, you'll likely stick with it in the long run. Making too many changes at once can be overwhelming and lead to frustration.
5. Seek professional help if needed - If you're struggling with your mental or physical health, it's important to seek professional help from a qualified healthcare provider. They will be able to provide you with tailored advice and support that can help you overcome any obstacles in your way.
Get the support you need from a BIPOC life coach who understands!
Welcome to Black.Bold.&Learning – a safe space for Black and BIPOC women to explore personal growth and development through courses, coaching, and creative resources. I offer a wide range of services to help you on your journey to a better life, including webinars, blogs, courses, and one-on-one coaching sessions.
Black. Bold. & Learning’s mission is to empower Black and BIPOC women to overcome body image issues, disordered eating, and burnout by providing personalized coaching and support.
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Blog articles explore a range of topics related to personal growth, mental health, and creative expression.
Contribution to research on topics related to BIPOC women's mental health and wellness.
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