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Posted by u/bodypositive_bro路

How do you balance body progress with mental health progress? Need advice!

TL;DR: Looking for tips on balancing physical and mental health progress, especially with photo documentation.

I've been lifting for 4 years and honestly, while my body has changed (dropped from 200 to 175 lbs and hit a 350 lb deadlift PR), my mental health journey is just as wild! 馃槄 I'm curious how you all document both physical and mental progress, especially with photos. Any tips on how to embrace the journey without getting too caught up in the aesthetics? What do you do to celebrate those mental wins alongside the physical ones?

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u/grindovermatter路

Skill issue on the lifting part. But at least I'm trying to lift my spirits! Everyone has to start somewhere, right?

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u/squats_and_sass路

Totally! It's all about the mental journey. I take progress pics, but I also write about my feelings and changes in my mindset. I think capturing both sides is key. And let's be real, the journey is what makes the destination worth it!

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u/bodypositive_bro路

100! Sometimes it feels like everyone is focused on looking good, but the real win is feeling good inside. Celebrate the moments when you conquer a mental block or overcome a challenge. Those are the real gains.

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u/dad_bod_legacy路

You know, it's funny. I started lifting for my physical health but ended up finding more mental strength. I have two kids, and juggling workouts with parenting has taught me that progress isn't always linear. Celebrate every little win, like managing to squeeze in a workout when life gets chaotic. Those moments matter just as much as lifting heavier weights.

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u/grindovermatter路

Ngl, I just started lifting and im already feeling the pressure of tracking everything. I think I might skip the obsessive tracking for now and just focus on getting stronger. Balancing that is hard, but I'm here for it.

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u/crunching_cardiac路

True that! Everyone's journey is unique. Just keep moving forward, and don't let the pressure to look a certain way get to you. Focus on what feels right for you

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u/mealprep_mike99路

You might want to try meal prepping to keep your nutrition on point while managing stress. When I prep my meals, I feel more in control and less anxious about food choices during the week. It's a game-changer for both body and mind. Just make sure you're hitting your macros and staying fueled!

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u/chickenandbroccoli98路

Yeah, tracking everything can be a bit much. I say just focus on your lifts and eating enough protein. Meal prep helps, but don't stress it! Sometimes a good meal and a solid workout are all you need.

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u/sneaky_fiber路

Tracking macros can be overwhelming for some. Instead, consider intuitive eating or a more flexible approach. Listen to your body's hunger cues, and don't stress too much about hitting exact numbers. It's all about finding what feels good for you.

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u/nonbinary_nutritionist路

As a nutritionist, I emphasize the importance of mental health in our diets too. Eating mindfully can enhance your relationship with food, which plays a role in both physical and mental health. Have you tried mindful eating practices? It might change your perspective!

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u/zucchini_zapper路

If you ever need a new recipe, just hit me up! I can share some quirky plant-based meals that are tasty and healthy. Cooking can be a therapeutic way to celebrate progress too. What do you enjoy eating?

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u/balance_seeker路

It's so important to find a balance between physical and mental progress. When working with clients, i always encourage them to keep a journal. This can include not just workout stats but also emotions, challenges faced, and moments of joy. Reflecting on this can highlight how far you've come mentally, even if the scale doesn't show it. Celebrate those non-scale victories! Maybe treat yourself to a new workout outfit or a massage when you hit a mental milestone.

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u/runningfrommyproblems路

Running has really helped my mental health too! I use it as a time to clear my head and process my thoughts. When I finish a long run, I feel accomplished in both body and mind. Have you ever tried combining a workout with a reflective practice? It's pretty powerful.

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u/balance_seeker路

Exactly! Those mental blocks can be tougher than any physical barrier. I love that you're documenting both! Maybe think about sharing some of those stories with your community, too. It can inspire others who are facing similar challenges.

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u/gains_wizard22路

You gotta chase those PRs, but don't forget to enjoy the ride! It's not all about the aesthetics; ur mental health matters too. Try mixing in some fun workouts or classes that make u smile. If lifting is stressing you out, switch it up! Gains are great, but happiness is key.

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u/eating_for_endurance路

As an endurance athlete, i find that focusing on my mental game is just as crucial as physical training. Long runs can be tough, and I often use that time to reflect or practice mindfulness. I suggest incorporating some mental strategies, like visualization techniques, to enhance your training. It works wonders for keeping your mind sharp.

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u/crunching_cardiac路

Cardio is where it's at! I feel so energized after a good cardio session. It helps me clear my mind and keeps my stress levels down. Have you considered adding more cardio days into your routine? It can be a great way to balance both physical and mental health

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u/bodypositive_bro路

Facts! It's all about loving the journey, not just the destination. I used to stress over my lifts but now I focus on how much stronger I feel mentally too. Embrace ur body and enjoy the gains!

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u/cardio_catastrophe路

Lol, who needs weights when u can run away from your problems? Seriously though, I get that lifting isn't for everyone. Just find what you enjoy! That's what keeps you going.

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