How to feel good about yourself

The one thing you lose quickly during your weight loss journey is motivation. We live in an era of instant gratification and thus expect quick results. However, weight loss is anything but easy and it takes time, hard work, and determination, and actually oodles of them all. But when we don’t see the scale tip considerably or our pant size remains the same for two weeks, we lose focus.

This happens to all weight watchers, and it happens again and again which is why we don’t realize that just when we are about to lose weight we put on some more instead. It happened to me so many times during the initial few months I tried to shed weight that I once thought of trying those slimming centers that is supposed to melt your fat away.
But nothing worth having comes easy. And I had a few relatives who had opted for the easy way out and had visited slimming centers. All of them put on the weight they lost in just a few weeks. I wasn’t prepared to spend all that money on something that wasn’t sustainable. But that’s another story, for some other day.

Today, I’m here to tell you (from experience) that, during your weight loss journey, some days will be better than others. And that’s just the way it is. You have to be prepared to face the bad days without losing focus and stick to your plan despite the occasional hiccups. But usually, on those days that don’t go so well, we usually end up being hard on ourselves that leads to guilt and we all know where that leads to, especially when weight loss is our primary goal: Food.

However, it needn’t be that way. I have discovered that no matter how hard weight loss might be, it can seem a lot easier if you don’t stress about it so much. You need to give yourself some credit for thinking about weight loss and healthy living in the first place. Don’t be disheartened if you have two thick slices of chocolate cake someday, or if you had to skip the gym routine because it was raining and you didn’t want to get out of bed. It is usually during these lapses that we tend to feel bad about ourselves and give
up. Don’t.

I always used to think that if I was skinnier, I’d be happier. We tend to attribute life disappointments to the fact that we are overweight, and we think if we they lose the weight, everything will miraculously improve:  We will not only be more confident, but things will take a turn for the better in life and we will be at a happier place. For a lot of people weight loss—or, rather, being thin—is the golden ticket they have been waiting for.

This kind of mindset is what sets you on the wrong path right from the start.

Your focus should not only be the end product—the new slim you—but it’s also highly important to appreciate who you are while on your journey, so that the end result is even sweeter. The thing is you don’t have to wait to start feeling good about yourself. You can start with small, simple life actions every day that will help you feel good about yourself, despite how much the scale reading shows or how snug those jeans feel.

Studies show that when you’re feeling energetic, you’re much more likely to feel good about yourself. For a quick shot of energy, I suggest you take a brisk ten-minute walk (outside, if possible, where sunlight will also stimulate your brain), listen to some great music, or talk to a friend. A friend finds this idea works every time she feels bad about herself: Instead of finding your physical flaws, look at your best features. Your eyes? Your hair? Your smile? Focus on that for a minute and be grateful for it.

Another way to feel good about yourself is to make a list of things to do daily and to stick to it. Cross off the things you’ve done and see how accomplished you feel at the end of the day. Go on, put ‘eat an apple’ or ‘200 jumping jacks’ on the list. Not only will you be more likely to do it when it’s written down, but you’ll also be motivated to adopt a healthier lifestyle when you start with small things like these.

So the next time you are plagued by self doubt, find something that makes you happy and do it. Happier people are more likely to love themselves and their bodies, and those who do so are more likely to be healthy and fit. You have to be happy and love yourself first if you want to lose weight. Don’t base your happiness on the achievement of some goal, instead make the journey a happy one.

Disclaimer: I am not a fitness expert. I’m just someone who has worked hard to lose weight. I have consulted a dietician friend to find out what works for me, and suggest you do the same. I’m only sharing my weight loss experience through The Week and trying to motivate you all to adopt a healthy lifestyle. It’s always best to get an experts advice before beginning a diet and workout plan. Stop exercising if you experience pain during the workout. Also never reduce your calorie intake to less than 1000.

If you have any queries regarding my weight loss journey, write to me at sharmaditi374@gmail.com.

 
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