by Eliza Sterling

Are you guilty of comparing your physique to the flawless images we often see of celebrities and fitness idols, or feeling the pressure to outshine your friends in terms of body fitness? The key to improving your self-image might lie in the practice of gratitude, as explained by an elite sports psychologist.

It can be disheartening to compare ourselves with the flawless figures and vibrant energy portrayed by other women on social media platforms. This comparison can have a crippling effect on our self-esteem and body image. According to a 2016 study by a renowned beauty brand, 60% women felt they needed to conform to ‘specific beauty standards’. Another research by better.org.uk in partnership with OnePoll found that low body confidence stopped 37% of women from wearing certain outfits and deterred 22% of women from exercising.

Stop Comparing

The phenomenon known as ‘reference anxiety’ explains why we get stressed when discussing fitness. It’s the constant comparison we make of our achievements and status to others, and finding ourselves yearning to mirror them. The highlights of other women’s lives are always in our view, fostering a feeling of inadequacy.

The remedy to this often subconscious comparison lies in fostering an attitude of gratitude. By being thankful for what we have and acknowledging the positives in our life, we counter the feelings of envy. Gratitude obstructs negative emotions and allows us to live in the present, appreciate the fruits of our own hard work, and focus on our personal journey to success.

Some individuals already harbor a demeanor of gratitude while others derive it from spiritual practices. However, for many of us, it’s a personality trait we need to consciously work on.

How To Foster Gratitude

When we imbue our mindset with gratitude, it lays a foundation for identifying reasons to be thankful. It shifts our attention to the positive aspects of our life, thus allowing us to acknowledge our achievements. Expert advice from Dr Amy Whitehead, a leading authority in sports psychology and coaching at a top UK university, confirms that expressing gratitude helps cultivate a regular exercise regimen.

Build Stronger Relationships

Showing appreciation not only helps our personal growth but also strengthens our interpersonal relationships. Embracing gratitude makes us more comfortable while working out with others and paves the way for receiving kindness. Researchers have found that gratitude is one of the top three attributes that contribute to our happiness—it comprises almost 20% of it.

In addition to accentuating positivity, gratitude helps diminish negative thoughts, making us less prone to depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. It encourages smarter choices in stress coping mechanisms, boosting our ability to handle pressure productively.

Fitness Benefits

Not only does gratitude enhance our mental wellbeing, but it also escalates our fitness levels. A study in the U.S found that participants who kept a weekly gratitude journal enhanced their workout duration by 40 minutes per week. This finding suggests that embracing gratitude can be a game-changer on your path to fitness and overall happiness.

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