Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Weight Loss
It might seem odd, but losing weight can sometimes stir up feelings of fear. We don’t normally associate fear with something as positive as weight loss. Usually, weight loss brings a mix of emotions, both good and bad. The good ones are easy to understand: you feel better, have more energy, look better, and fit into nicer clothes. However, did you know that experiencing negative emotions during this process can be healthy too?
Gaining weight isn’t just about eating too much. Sometimes, small weight gains are due to poor eating and exercise habits. But significant weight gain often comes from deeper issues. Gaining weight can act as a form of camouflage, helping you blend into society and feel safer. It’s important to understand what you might be avoiding. Is there an emotional wound that needs addressing?
As you start to understand why you gained weight, you also need to manage your emotions as you succeed in losing it. The journey requires time and patience. You might hit a plateau and need to start again. You might lose motivation and need a push to get back on track. You might even deliberately take a break from your routine. These actions can be linked to fear.
If this sounds familiar, take some time to address these overwhelming feelings before they derail your progress. Here are some proactive steps to help you manage your fears and stay on track:
1. **Find a Support System**: This could be a fitness trainer who understands your struggles and is ready to push you to stay on track. They can use motivational techniques to help you face your fears and avoid self-sabotage. Personal trainers are available to everyone, so check with your local gym for referrals.
If a personal trainer isn’t an option, find a friend who has successfully lost weight and is willing to help you by working out together and sharing food journals. You can learn a lot from your friend’s journal, and the accountability will help keep your eating habits in check.
2. **Daily Journal Writing**: Keeping your feelings inside can make them feel bigger over time, which can be overwhelming. Everything starts with a thought! When you learn to manage your thoughts, you can change your life. Write down your emotions and fears. Writing helps you understand why you feel the way you do and releases negative energy.
3. **Follow-up with Affirmations**: After letting go of negative feelings, replace them with positive statements. It’s important to fill the space with positive thoughts to give your mind something good to focus on.
4. **Take Quiet Time**: Our lives are often busy, and we don’t take time to just breathe and think. Spend 15 minutes each day sitting quietly, letting go of mental stress. This may take more effort than you think. During these 15 minutes, purposefully let go of any thoughts occupying your mind. Clear the mental clutter and relax. You’ll find that you have more control over your day.
Fear is a natural part of making any big life change. Once you understand this, you can start to manage this emotion and move past it. Keep pushing forward by challenging any feelings that might lead you to sabotage your positive progress.
