Mind Over Matter

Yesterday in Amy’s Bikini Bootcamp I was wincing my way through pushups and begging for the final countdown as I listened to her shout, “Mind Over Matter!” Here at Fusion we are constantly reminded of the phrase, but in my perceived exhaustion I’m always thinking “f* it I’m done!” rather than trying to harness the power of my brain when I feel like I’m dying. But it got me thinking, the instructors say it so much that they must really believe it and use it themselves.

Putting your mind over matter requires being aware of what goes on inside your brain all day. It can be used for physical training and also to create a positive emotional state and a sense of optimism. While some are just natural optimists, many must make the choice to be. From how we see ourselves in the mirror to the voices in our heads, thinking positively gives us, not our circumstances, power over our lives. Pushing yourself when you want to give up is a choice, whether you’re talking about major life issues or a simple hour of working out.

As Tim Noakes, M.D., author of Lore of Running says, “the brain holds us back from pushing past a certain point. There’s a control mechanism to make sure that you reach the finish line not in a completely utterly, wilted state. You always have a little reserve.” Although it feels like pure physical fatigue tempting your body to quit, it also has to do with how your brain is interpreting the situation. Noakes says, “the brain can be taught to give the body more leeway by incrementally pushing past that perceived max level of exertion in training.” I tried hard today in Erica's Switch Up to ignore myself and push past my (very) strong desire to screw those last 60 seconds of spiking my heart rate at the end of class and you know what? I did it. I pushed myself until that final 3..2..1 and literally almost burst into tears when it was over. (Part genuine relief and part happiness for my little victory.) Mostly it just gave me the confidence that I can do things I don’t feel capable of, even if it’s lasting another minute of class.

If “mind over matter” can help train your brain for physical endurance, what about the power we have to choose our emotional thoughts? TheMayo Clinic states that altering negative thoughts into positive, optimistic ones can increase life span, lower rates of depression, stress, and disease, and help you better cope with stressful situations. Living in a pessimistic state “triggers physiological pathways such as the fight or flight response...evolved over time to protect us from danger, but if switched on long-term they increase the risk of conditions such as diabetes and dementia” according to New Scientist. Have you ever paid attention to the stream of thoughts running through your head all day long? The Mayo Clinic outlines four common thought patterns that can be altered simply by paying attention and choosing optimism.

·        Filtering: focusing on the negative instead of the positive. You came to Fusion tired and grumpy and just to keep up had to modify all the exercises. Instead of patting yourself on the back for working out, you feel guilty for the rest of the day for not trying harder.

·        Personalizing: assuming blame for everything that happens. Your girls-night-out plans get cancelled for a legit reason, but you still wonder if they just didn’t want to hang out with you.

·        Catastrophizing: making everything the end of the world. You are running late to work, sitting on the highway full of traffic, about to be late for a meeting. Although this is a normal mistake to make, you tell yourself you’re going to get fired, your life will be ruined, and you’ll be in the poor-house by the end of the month.

·        Polorizing: seeing things as good or bad, black or white. You forgot so sign your kid’s permission slip so instead of going on his field trip to the zoo he was stuck at school all day. An honest mistake, but in your head you are ashamed, embarrassed, and feel like the worst mother in the world.

Awareness of the way you talk to yourself is the first step to taking charge over it, so pay attention to your thoughts and evaluate them rationally. “I’m such a big hog for eating that third piece of cake at the birthday party” can be identified and changed to “it wasn’t the best decision to go for seconds (then thirds) but it sure tasted good and I had such a fun time watching my kids play. Next time I’ll eat an apple before the party so I won’t feel so tempted.” Remember, talk to yourself as you would your friend. You wouldn’t put up with your girlfriend or husband telling you you’re a hog would you? So don’t do it to yourself. WebMD Magazine points out a harsh but encouraging idea that “your kids, family, and friends listen to what comes out of your mouth. If it’s mostly self-disparaging, you’re giving them permission to rate your value in life on appearance alone.”  

In a culture that deems physical appearance more important than who we are as women, we are surrounded by pressure to be skinny, beautiful, put-together and flawless. Check out this article by Ashley Judd speaking out on the ridiculous way women are objectified. It’s easy to blame the media, but you may not realize how much pressure comes from within. You can harness the power of your brain if you choose to. Next time at Fusion, practice “mind over matter,” and see how good it feels to just make it 10 more reps or 1 more minute; it may inspire confidence in more areas than fitness.

In the mood for affirmations? Choose one from this list of 100 on RN Central.

You Fusionistas may recognize this from our schedule wall; take heart and Be Good to You!