For a long time, I was one of those people who said, “it’s just stress” and dismissed it without any regard. I make a conscious effort to focus on learning about diet and nutrition, exercise science, and disease prevention, but for a long time, I only focused on my physical body. I hadn’t yet realized that my thoughts matter. 

• I thought setting intentions was stupid
• A gratitude journal – seriously, who writes in one of those?
• I would never be able to calm my mind enough for meditation 
• I could sleep when I was dead
• Stretching after workouts can be skipped to save time 

Thoughts matter

• I hate money and it’s not important to me
• I will never finish my book
• It’s impossible to lose weight
• Good things only happen to other people
• I will fail anyway, so what’s the point in trying?

Then all you’re going to get back from the universe is negativity. Thoughts matter! If your self-talk is defeatist, you will have to overcome internal and external hurdles, which makes achieving your goals even more challenging.

Pay as much attention to your mental health as your physical health and you’ll be amazed at the results. Starting a meditation practice is only 10 minutes a day. If you do it consistently for 8 weeks, that’s when you’ll find the good stuff.