Mind and Body Fitness by the Sparkle Coach How to overcome the roadblocks on the journey to success

WHILST THERE have never been more opportunities to exercise, eat and sleep well, there also have never been as many roadblocks to prevent us from taking care of ourselves in such challenging times.

There’s been a real shift for the better as we all know the importance of building mind and body fitness as a key to boosting our immunity, building strength and maintaining optimum mental and physical health.

But just how do we do it now with the additional stress of school, gym and business closures? How do we set ourselves up to ‘win’ at home?

First focus on you! Stop comparing yourself and make an honest inventory on what your triggers and hurdles are when it comes to exercise, nutrition and sleep. These may well have changed recently or they could be long-term mindset challenges such as, saying: “I don’t have time for myself,” or unhealthy habits may have returned.

Whilst these may be deemed as purely ‘excuses’, there’s normally more of a backstory to our roadblocks. When I coach women, for example, I like to unpick the real reason behind their words.

Sometimes it is a lack of time as fitness can feel overwhelming so we adopt an ‘all or nothing’ approach and other times our negative coping strategies are a way of internally saying: “I am not worthy of time,” “I don’t feel in control of my life” or “I need to sort (work/ kids/home/before ‘me’).”

But the good news is focusing on our wellbeing will save us time, money, give us more strength to assist others, boost our self-esteem, lower our stress levels and give us that inner security to sustain our health.

Once you’ve noted down your hurdles, next jot down what opportunities are present to you at the moment eg. Are you saving time and money on the daily commute? Are you able to cook from scratch more? Could you build in new healthy habits such as dressing in activewear as soon as you wake up?

I am a big believer in starting small by making gradual changes, setting daily wins (process goals) such as 10 to 30 minutes of movement a day at home or outdoors, and creating your work and living space so that it inspires you to focus.

If you struggle to overcome a roadblock, don’t be afraid to ask for help and support too. Whether it be hiring a personal trainer online, working with a mindset coach, a nutritionist, joining a free online group or chatting to those you live with so that you can all adopt healthier lifestyles together.

I love the power of accountability and such support, especially when you are at the start of your feelgood fitness journey. It helps to motivate you to ‘show up’ even if to begin with you just think: “well I don’t want to let my coach down.”

Eventually you will want to show up for yourself, you want that sense of achievement, you will love how powerful self-care makes you feel and you will actually crave that nutritious meal.