Physical activity is one of those things that everyone thinks about doing, but few people actually do with any regularity. We all know the benefits of regular exercise: it makes us look better, feel better, reduces health risks…the list goes on and on. Yet each time we attempt the journey we’re plagued with a lack of time, energy or motivation. All of these barriers are probably real, but we can also work around them. It all starts with changing your mindset about exercise and working on some positive self-talk. It all starts with changing your mindset about exercise and working on some positive self-talk.

Have these thoughts ever gone through your mind when it comes to exercise?

“I’m too tired.”

“I haven’t had enough sleep.”

“I’ve got so much to do today.”

“I don’t have any energy.”

“I don’t want to go for walk or to the gym, but I should because I’m unfit… but I have no motivation.”

Behavioural psychologists say as much as 77% of self-talk that we do is negative and it takes as many as 20 positive statements about ourselves to counteract just one negative personal statement.

Positive self-talk is important for your mental and physical wellbeing. The reality is if exercise was easy, more people would be doing it.

Our brains are such powerful influencers on our actions that is important to foster some positive messages into our brains. Research indicates that the brain operates like a computer in a way, it will keep repeating what it is pre-programmed into it.

Developing a positive thought pattern takes time, but it can directly influence your actions in a good way. By harnessing a positive inner voice you can allow yourself to recognise but not connect with negative messages.

Start with these tips:

1. Pay attention to the messages you tell yourself – are they positive or negative? Can you change the negative thoughts for more positive thoughts?
2. Believe that if you change your self-talk to include positive messages you will, over time, influence your behaviour or actions to reflect positive changes.
3. Start the day with positive and empowering thoughts: Today is going to be a great day, I am healthy and can go for a walk today so I will.
4. Remind yourself that most problems have a solution.
5. You have the choice to keep doing what you are doing or to make a change.

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