“I struggle to feel comfortable in my body, can exercise help?”
The following BASE Journal entry was written by Lucy Galbraith an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AASW) and Pilates & Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor based in Meanjin (Brisbane), Australia.
When we are struggling with confidence, self-esteem or body image issues, developing a healthy relationship with exercise (or as I refer to it – movement) can feel super complicated!
I believe this is partly due to a message we are sold by the fitness industry, which says that the main purpose of exercise is to ‘look’ a certain way, or achieve a certain body shape. This is simply not true! Moving our bodies is about SO much more than that.
Below I'll share my top three tips for approaching movement in a way that helps us to feel healthier, happier and more comfortable in our own skin.
Focus on how movement makes you feel:
Moving our bodies is just as beneficial for our emotional and mental state as it is for our physical health. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which work as natural mood boosters and help to lower our stress and anxiety levels.
The key is to find joy in movement rather than viewing it as a chore, punishment, or a way to achieve a certain weight or shape. Just as we all have different preferences around music, food, fashion etc., naturally we are all going to prefer different forms of movement. I encourage people to do what they genuinely enjoy… and if you aren’t sure — have fun exploring what these things might be!
Maybe you like dancing, jogging, swimming, pilates, yoga, walking, team sports, weight lifting, aerobics, hiking, gardening, riding a bike, hula hooping … the possibilities are endless.
2. Appreciate the incredible things your body can do:
By appreciating our bodies' abilities – whether it’s swimming in the ocean, lifting weights or taking the dog for a walk – we build a sense of respect and admiration for what our bodies can do, rather than solely focusing on how they look.
Moving our bodies – even if it’s just for 10 minutes at a time – can be a powerful act of self-care, demonstrating that we value and care for ourselves. Over time, this practice can foster a sense of empowerment that often translates into greater confidence in how we view ourselves and our bodies. We may even find ourselves shifting from self-criticism to self-appreciation.
3. Think of movement as a mindfulness practice:
Can you think back to a situation when you were so engrossed in what you were doing that nothing else mattered ? This is essentially what mindfulness is — “the practice of being aware of your body, mind, and feelings in the present moment” (Cambridge Dictionary).
Movement can be a form of mindfulness — all we have to do is pay attention to what's going on.
For example:
Focusing on the rhythm of my feet hitting the ground as I walk or run.
Noticing the sensations of my muscles lengthening as I move into a yoga stretch.
Feeling the sun on my face and the breeze in my hair as I ride my bike.
By being present with physical sensations, we can shift our focus from a busy, overactive mind to a state of being present in the moment, accepting ourselves just as we are.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Movement doesn’t need to 'look' a certain way. We don’t have to follow the latest trends or get caught up in punishing or extreme workout routines. By embracing a joyful and balanced approach, we can foster a kinder relationship with our bodies and a greater sense of ease in our own skin.
- By Lucy Galbraith
More about the Author….
My name is Lucy,
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AASW) and Pilates & Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor based in Meanjin (Brisbane), Australia.
I have more than 10 years experience working across the community and private sectors supporting people with their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
My approach is person-centred in that I seek to understand and build upon the unique strengths and experiences of the people that I work with. I have a warm and empathetic style, and strive to create a safe, relaxed and judgement-free space whether it be in a therapy room or a yoga studio.
Outside of work, I love being a mum to my baby boy and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy walks in nature, picnics in the park, reading, pilates and listening to podcasts.
Please explore my website further or get in touch to learn more about how I can support you and your community through a range of different offerings.
Follow Lucy!
IG: livingyou_therapies