Listen to your body

There’s a huge difference between struggling with motivation and being exhausted.

I used to drag myself to the gym no matter what. I pushed on even when my body was screaming at me to stop.
But that approach broke me. It absolutely wrecked my nervous system and played a huge part in my collapse in December 2020 - something I’ll never forget (or stop regretting). I will never be the same again.

As much as I LOVE exercise and wave the flag for its vital role in wellbeing, before you decide what to do – and how hard to go – please ask yourself one simple question:

💭 Will I feel better after doing this?

👉 Maybe not straight away, but once you’ve eaten, recovered, and got on with your day, will the workout have helped you feel better overall?

✨ If the answer is yes → take a deep breath and go for it, knowing it’s just your motivation that’s flagging.
⚠️ If the answer is no → and the workout will likely leave you drained and exhausted, it isn’t the right thing to do today.

That’s your sign something needs to shift:
🚶‍♀️ Swap a run for a gentle walk
🧘 Yoga or Pilates instead of high intensity
🏋️ Go to the gym but give yourself permission to go slower – and don’t beat yourself up about it
😴 Prioritise sleep like your life depends on it (because it does!)

Exercise can be an incredible form of self-care… but it can also become self-destruction 💥 … choose the path that helps, not harms.

This morning, I asked myself the question. The answer was yes, so I went to the gym – and I feel better for it. Some days it will be motivation, other days it will be exhaustion. The key is knowing the difference.

Listen to your body. All the “go harder, faster, stronger” messages need to be balanced with what YOU know is right for your body.

You’re a human, not a machine. 🤍 Treat yourself with the love, kindness, and respect you deserve.

With love ❤️

For more on how to create a healthier relationship with yourself, see my latest book: End Your Fight with Food