If you have ever thought that looking after your body was something you can do ‘tomorrow’, or a task that is reserved for ‘real athletes’, then this is the blog post for you!
Investing in ourselves, giving time to the elements that power us through the day often get neglected. We live in a cycle of speed, giving to others, tending to problems and galloping from one deadline to another. The idea of giving time to our own bodies or minds is a concept that still comes with a stigma of self-indulgence, selfishness or a just a way to be unproductive. Yet the truth is, without a healthy and strong container, you and I are not going to be able to give our best to the people and the projects that mean the most to us.
When it comes to our bodies, we can find a whole pile of excuses why we don’t give it much attention, but for something that can act as our biggest tool, it can also be our biggest hindrance if it is not treated as it should be.
Talking about your physical health can raise a few triggers. I would imagine you have fired some less than positive thoughts towards your body at some point along the way, but looking after your health and body isn’t about looking good (although that will happen!) it’s about how you FEEL. When you get on a horse, it will be about how your body FEELS that has the biggest affect on what you are able to do.
So, how do you feel? Does your back hurt? Do you have to supplement your day with Ibuprofen? Are you stressed or anxious?
Your physical health will determine how you show up for every area of your life. I imagine that your world isn’t solely horses. Maybe you have children, a partner, friendships, a job, a side hustle or all of those things, and to show up for all of that requires energy and a great attitude. How can you show up in the best way if you have been in pain all day, or you are exhausted because you ate something that made you feel sluggish, or you are cranky with a headache because you didn’t drink enough water?
If we don’t take care of our bodies, our performance across all areas of life is reduced and limited.
So, what can you do?
To really start making changes that stick, you have to DECIDE that your health is WORTH it, that you want to FEEL better and that you DESERVE to feel better.
The next step is to find a routine that you can stick to. Well, actually it’s about finding a routine that you are going to COMMIT to.
I am a firm believer that small changes to the way you do things every day is the key to long lasting self-care and investment into your body, and I believe there are 3 key things you can do IMMEDIATELY that will serve you way more than beating yourself up about not sticking to the ‘diet’ or not making it to the gym.
The THREE critical game changers for a healthier body are:
- Get into ALIGNMENT and move yourself from this place all day, every day. This will build strength and mobility without requiring any extra time or equipment.
- Strengthen your BACK; Your back can be your biggest accomplice or your biggest enemy. Strengthen it to avoid disc trouble, pain, stiffness and weakness and start building a truly strong core and move yourself away from pain and towards performance.
- Have a green smoothie Every. Single. Day. By nourishing your body with a hit of nutrients first thing in the morning, you know you have taken a major step into self-care before your day has properly started. Make it a habit and I promise you will reap the rewards.
These are, for me, the sacrosanct trio of daily health and they are things that you can implement straight away to give you a chance to show up for your life in a way that serves you and the people around you. These 3 things will elevate your self-care, improve how your body is feeling and set you up for performing in the way you want to, which includes the way you show up in the saddle.
I hope you make today the day you decide you are worth it.
With love!
Debbie xx
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