SHIFTING LIMITING BELIEFS FOR BETTER HEALTH
We all hold beliefs—conscious or unconscious—that shape our actions and habits, especially when it comes to health. For instance, you might believe that "self-care is selfish," or "if I’m not constantly busy, I’m failing." These beliefs can deeply influence how we treat our bodies, our mental health, and our overall wellness.
In my health coaching practice, I take a holistic approach to health, which includes much more than the food on our plate. I focus on key areas: relationships, physical activity, spirituality, and career/work-life balance. Our beliefs around these topics often determine our habits, such as pushing ourselves too hard at work, skipping meals, neglecting rest, or ignoring our mental health. These patterns, formed by long-held beliefs, can leave us feeling depleted, burned out, and disconnected from our true needs.
How Beliefs Shape Actions
When we believe that something is "bad," we often avoid it. For example, believing that self-care is selfish can lead you to feel guilty about taking time for yourself. You may prioritize the needs of others at the expense of your own well-being, leaving you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Similarly, the belief that "rest is laziness" can make you resistant to taking breaks, even when your body is begging for rest. This can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and reduced physical and mental health.
These beliefs don’t just affect our actions—they shape our health outcomes. The more you follow a belief, the stronger it becomes, eventually becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The Power of Awareness
The first step to breaking free from these limiting beliefs is awareness. Start by asking yourself: What do I believe about health, wellness, and self-care? Then reflect on how these beliefs may be impacting your daily choices. Are you putting off self-care because you feel guilty? Are you avoiding rest because you think it's a sign of weakness?
By being curious about your thoughts and behaviors, you can begin to identify the underlying beliefs that no longer serve you. Once you bring these beliefs to the surface, you can challenge and replace them with more empowering beliefs that support your health and happiness.
Simple Steps to Start Uncovering and Shifting Beliefs
Journal about your beliefs: Write down any beliefs you hold about wellness. Do you believe that exercise should always be intense? That food is only fuel and not something to enjoy? Or that rest is only for when you're sick?
Challenge your beliefs: Ask yourself where these beliefs came from and if they are still true for you today. Are they based on old patterns, or are they reflective of your current values and needs?
Replace negative beliefs with empowering ones: If you believe that "rest is laziness," replace it with "rest is essential for healing and productivity."
Create small changes: Take one belief and commit to acting in a way that aligns with your new perspective. For example, if you’ve been resisting rest, try taking 10 minutes of quiet time each day to start shifting your mindset.
Final Thoughts
Uncovering and shifting the beliefs that impact our health and wellbeing is a process that requires curiosity, patience, and self-compassion. As you become more aware of the beliefs that influence your habits, you can begin to make conscious choices that lead to a healthier, more balanced life.
If you're ready to dive deeper into how your beliefs may be affecting your wellbeing, reach out to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can explore strategies to create lasting change and enhance your overall health.
