Let Go of the All-or-Nothing Mindset

In the not-so-distant past, my identity was entwined with a determined, type A personality, and the all-or-nothing mindset that came with it. While this approach propelled me to high achievements, the years brought a realization of the value of gentleness and self-compassion. However, it wasn't until I became a mom that I truly grasped the necessity of shedding the all-or-nothing mindset, especially concerning self-care and exercise. In this blog post, I'll share my personal journey and advocate for embracing a more balanced perspective.

Shifting from Perfectionism to Self-Compassion:

My journey commenced with a fervent commitment to perfectionism—a trait that had propelled me through many milestones. Yet, the arrival of my baby disrupted my carefully structured world, forcing me to reassess my mindset around self-care. The revelation hit hard: steering away from the all-or-nothing mindset, especially in the realms of exercise and yoga, was not just beneficial; it was a game-changer.

Examples of Shifting Perspectives:

• Finding Movement in 15-Minute Bursts:

• Instead of dismissing brief intervals as insufficient, I now prioritize short bursts of movement. Fifteen minutes before seeing clients can turn into a revitalizing workout that accumulates over the week.

• Incorporating Core Exercises into Playtime:

• While on the floor playing with my son, I find opportunities to include a couple of core exercises. It's a seamless integration of exercise into my daily routine.

• Practicing Belly Breaths in Moments of Peace:

• Whether during a shower or stolen moments of peace, practicing five belly breaths has become a quick and effective way to nurture my mental and physical well-being.

Adapting to Sleep Deprivation, Days of less energy or more pain :

• Lighter Exercises on Challenging Days:

• Recognizing the toll of sleep deprivation and pain, I've shifted towards lighter exercises on such days. This adaptability ensures my body receives the care it needs.

• Strategic Planning for Full-Body Workouts:

• My exercise routine now involves strategic planning, focusing on different areas on alternate days. This holistic approach ensures a well-rounded full-body workout over several days.

The Benefits of a Balanced Approach:

1. Increased Energy and Vitality:

• Short, frequent exercises inject sustained energy into my day, replacing the exhaustion from an all-or-nothing mentality.

1. Improved Pain Management:

• Breaking down workouts into manageable chunks alleviates stiffness and soreness, promoting overall physical comfort.

1. Consistent Progress Over Time:

• Consistency in shorter exercises results in sustained progress without the pressure of intense, time-consuming session (don't get me wrong I still LOVE getting an intense long work out in just some days I don't have time or my body needs something more gentle).

1. Mind-Body Harmony:

• Embracing a balanced mindset cultivates harmony between my mental and physical well-being, allowing me to adapt to the unpredictable challenges of motherhood.

Dropping the all-or-nothing mindset has been a transformative journey, especially amidst the whirlwind of motherhood. As I continue navigating the responsibilities of being a mom, prioritizing self-care and exercise has become more attainable and sustainable with a balanced approach. My heartfelt recommendation to anyone pursuing a healthier mindset and body, is to let go of extremes and embrace a path of self-compassion—one short burst of movement at a time. I've also noticed that especially with clients dealing with persisting pain, this approach is much more realistic and approachable.