Treat Your Body With Respect
Brené Brown is a research professor, author, and public speaker known for her work on vulnerability, courage, and shame. When I read her book Rising Strong, this quote stood out:
"Remember, your body is the vehicle that carries you through life. Treat it with respect."
The reason it resonated with me may be obvious for those who know me, but here’s a little insight for those who don’t. I have dedicated my life to healthy living. I have helped others find health for themselves and lived it for me. I want to be a walking example for my clients and community. Our health and our time are the most precious gift we have. Health makes our time better, more meaningful, and more impactful. Health gives us the freedom to do the things we most enjoy. I believe in holistic health. That is, mind, body, environment (both physical and social), and soul. This quote is a powerful reminder that our bodies are precious gifts. They allow us to move, breathe, and experience the world around us. They also house our hearts, minds, and souls.
When we treat our bodies respectfully, we show them the love and appreciation they deserve. We are also taking care of our overall health and well-being.
Here are a few ways to treat your body with respect:
Eat nutritious foods. Our bodies need a variety of nutrients to function correctly. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is a great way to fuel your body and keep it healthy.
Get regular exercise. Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for healing and repair. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. This is usually where I start with all my clients. - Sleep Hygiene.
Listen to your body. Pay attention to your body's signals and give it what it needs. For example, if you're feeling tired, take a nap. If you're feeling stressed, take some time to relax and de-stress. You live in your body, making you the expert of it. Trust your gut.
Be kind to yourself. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own journey. Accept your body for who it is and all it does for you. Self-compassion is hard, and it’s a practice. I am constantly reminded to do this by my therapist, Tracye Polson. It still proves to be one of the most challenging things for me to do consistently because I can grind hard with a relentless pursuit of what I want to accomplish without self-compassion.
As a health coach, I use Brené Brown's quote to help my clients develop a more positive and respectful relationship with their bodies. Here are a few ideas for you to journal on:
Reflect on the quote. What does it mean to you? How can you treat your body with more respect?
What are your needs and values? What are your priorities? What are you working towards? Once you know what is important, you can make choices supporting your needs and values.
Practice self-compassion. We all make mistakes and have setbacks. It is important to be forgiving and understanding towards ourselves. If you reflect and acknowledge that you did not do your best (your best changes all the time), you can practice self-compassion and set a goal for what you would like to do differently the next time you are faced with the same or a similar experience.
Acknowledge and even celebrate your successes. When we achieve our goals, it is important to take the time to celebrate our accomplishments. This helps us to stay motivated and on track.
Brené Brown's quote is a reminder that our bodies are precious gifts. By treating our bodies with respect, we can improve our overall health and well-being.