LOVE YOURSELF FIRST

As a beachbody Coach I always stress to my challengers that they MUST carve out some "me time." We cannot continue to give if our cups are empty.

The past month and half I have had a LOT of time to myself, to reflect, think about WHAT I want, WHY, and how I am going to get there. I have learned that it all boils down to taking care of YOU first. I am sure a lot of people can relate to this.. but when my relationship ended I realized a LOT of stuff about myself, and how to change those patterns. So I thought I would share with all of you today. 

Everyone has an inner Ego, and it speaks with out thinking.  Its up to you how conscious or unconscious you are. I have learned that when I put more energy and focus into someone else before myself, my inner Ego takes over! It leaves me drained, and irritated- all the time. Eventually it made me feel like a terrible friend, spouse, etc. 

So I want to teach you how to start "loving yourself" today. And know its NOT selfish to do something for yourself. Your happiness is just as important as anyone else's, so put yourself FIRST. ALWAYS.  At first it seems impossible, but as the weeks go by, I promise it gets easier. Mentally and physically you will feel a million times better. 

1. Read Personal Development Books

I used to be the person who HATED reading, until I found Personal Development, and now I can't get enough! I recommend taking 10 minutes a day to read, OR commit to reading one chapter a day. Some of my favorite books are: 

• "Design the Life You love" by Ayse Birsel
• "Mind over Mood", by Dennis Greenberger
• "The Compound Effect", by Darren Hardy 
• "The Happiness Project", by Gretchen Rubin
• "The Power of Now", by Eckhart Tolle 

Favorite Pod Casts: 

• "Women wanting more" by Dr. Karen Osburn
• "Digital Alchemy", by Los Silva and Tanner Larsson 
• "Build your Tribe" By Charlene Johnson 
• "The Charlene Show" by Charlene Johnson 
• "The school of greatness" by Lewis Howes  

2. Spend time with family/ friends

They know you best, and will  know how to cheer you up. Best of all- you can always count on them to tell you the truth when you are being a b**** (again this is your inner ego/ emotions taking over). 

3. Workout 

When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphin's, which trigger a positive feeling in the body, giving you more energy. 

Regular Exercise has been proven to: 

• Reduce Stress 
• Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression 
• Boost self -esteem 
• Improve sleep 
• Strengthens your heart 
• Increases energy levels 
• Lower blood pressure 
• Makes you look fit and healthy 

4. Eat Clean

Work out and eat clean consistently for a week.  After a week of doing this,  I challenge you to eat one crappy meal and note how you feel- mentally and physically. You should feel a huge difference, or at least I notice every time I do. (If you need help with a workout program, or clean eating, you can comment below or email me at kristalboyd709@gmail.com). 

5. Go to therapy

I will be the first to admit that I used to think this was a bad thing, and I didn't need to go because I've never been diagnosed with depression, OCD, etc. I've went to a few different therapist, sat on the couch, talked about my feeling, but never felt like I got anything out of it until I started going to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Here you don't sit on the couch and talk about your problems kind of therapy. This targets your moods, thoughts, where your irritability (like I mentioned in the beginning when the Inner Ego takes over). You work towards goals and a happier life! I've only been to one session so far, but have been loving it! 

6. Meditate and Essential Oils 

Meditation helps quiet the mind, helps you realize the frustration, anger or irritably you may be feeling right now is you Inner Ego, or "emotions" taking over.  Meditation  helps your mind to stop racing, as well as to stop and think before you speak. 

I personally love the essential oils. I try to use home remedies whenever I feel sick, drained. It helps me feel more relaxed. I will sometimes use it when I am working out- I find it helps with my breathing- especially when I'm trying to relax during yoga. If you are interested in essential oils, shoot me a message and I will put you in direct contact with my rep. If you are looking for a guided meditation, I highly recommend trying the Lululemon One week Meditation Challenge. 

7. Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself 

Every time you get upset at something, ask yourself if you were to die tomorrow, was it worth wasting your time being angry? Remember- you cannot live a positive life with a negative mind. 

Make a list of things that you are grateful for. A few days a week I journal about everything that I am grateful for. It reminds me of everything amazing that I have going on in my life, and things aren't that bad. For example: I am able to work full time, have a full time education, have incredibly supportive family and friends, I have more than 1 best friend, I have a roof over my head, food on the table, a bed to sleep in, the most lovable dog in the world,  amazing challengers who I love to the moon and back who have become very close friends... 

Now I challenge you to create a list of things you are grateful for!

8. Find a Hobby 

I attend University 3 nights a week, and work full time. But coaching is my passion! I LOVE interacting with people every day, the feed back, and just knowing that I am making a difference in the world.  Some other hobbies may include: running, cooking, public speaking. 

(If you've ever considered coaching, then shoot me a message! We are always looking to add more people to our team!)

9. Set Goals 

Make sure they are realistic, and obtainable. One of my biggest hurdles to get over was living in the past, and focusing way too much on the future (things that I CANNOT control). Set goals for the things that you KNOW you can control. Write down big goals, and little goals underneath of how you are going to reach each goal. 

10. Journal your thoughts and Feelings 

Do you ever feel like you don't like yourself? You know how that saying goes, "before you diagnose yourself with depression, make sure you aren't surrounded by a bunch of assholes." This is so true. Not everyone is going to like you, its human nature. Because of the way you look, the way you sound/ talk, you have the same name as someone they don't like... You WON'T click with everyone. So stop trying to please everyone else and pretend to be someone that you aren't.

The biggest eye opener for me was to journal every time something irritated me. In a week I figured out that: I can be quite vulgar when I am uncomfortable, trying to fit in, etc. and I don't like that about myself, so I'm working on building my confidence around others. Another trigger is when people ask the same question in several different ways, and again, No! I still don't know the answer--> I'm guilty of this!

So realizing what irritates you, why it irritates  (its usually a reflection of what you don't like about yourself), then change it.

I LOVE this video. Every time I am feeling down, mentally, emotionally, spiritually- I listen to this video. It gets me going -every -single- time! Give it a listen, and let me know what you think! Or if you have some motivational videos, PD books, etc. Please share. I love hearing from you!! 

Love,
Krista xoxo