Are you struggling to lose weight? If you have tried numerous diets, exercised regularly and you still can’t drop weight, then you may have some mental blocks. Mental blocks are difficult to overcome, but they are by no means insurmountable.
Think of this mental block like you would a brick wall. If you were on a physical path and ran into a brick wall you would look for a way to get beyond it. This is the same thing you need to do when you are dealing with mental blocks. They can be overcome.
It’s important to note that mental blocks are normal, especially when change is involved. You might not think of weight loss as a change per se, but that’s exactly what it is. Even positive change can be scary.
When you set out to lose weight you have the best of intentions. You want to eat well, exercise often, and trim those pounds. The majority of us know the basics of healthy eating (and unhealthy eating). However, even the best intentions can be derailed, especially when we get bored, feel exhausted, get stressed or just grow frustrated. We are a swirl of emotions and those emotions can influence our weight loss journey.
Humans are creatures of habit and unfortunately, routines feel comfortable. So, when your routine has been built around food and behaviors that have caused you to gain weight, it’s difficult to shake them. Your routine makes you feel safe in the short-term, even though it’s making you feel bad in the long-term.
Frustratingly, you use your smarts for evil by rationalizing your unhealthy behavior and habits. You feel better once you eat, what’s the problem?
To overcome your mental blocks, you have to recognize them and break them down.
Common Mental Blocks & How To Overcome Them
Stress
Eating feels great so when you are stressed out, it’s easy to use food as a relief from it. Stress is one of the biggest mental blocks you will have to overcome in your weight loss journey. How can you conquer it? It’s impossible to avoid all stress, but you can identify your triggers and learn how to limit them. A food journal might be helpful.
You will be able to see patterns in your habits and limit those circumstances. In cases where you cannot avoid the stress, you can use a relaxation technique to mitigate it. Consider trying an exercise such as guided imagery. This is a great way to deal with your emotions.
Depression
For some, depression seems to cause weight loss, but for others weight gain. We are all different, and we all experience different symptoms with depression. Often, depression is accompanied by an inability to sleep, as well as inactivity. These issues contribute to weight gain and make it difficult to lose that weight.
Additionally, many anti-depressants come with a side effect of weight gain. Could depression be your mental block? Visit your doctor for a diagnosis if you suspect that you are depressed.
Trauma
People who have experienced trauma are higher risks for obesity. Whether it was sexual or physical abuse or even bullying at the hands of peers, weight gain may serve as a protective solution. It creates an emotional protection that helps abuse survivors cope.
If you have experienced trauma, then it might be the mental block creating your weight issue. It can affect your eating habits and prevent you from losing the weight that you want to. How can you overcome this mental block? You have to get to the root of those issues with the help of a professional.
Final Thoughts
If you’re finding it difficult to lose those pounds, then it could be any of these mental blocks or others that are standing in your way. Use psychology to work in your favor instead of against you. Think of that brick wall in front of you and move to create steps to walk over it.