At the start of the pandemic, Kiera hosted daily meditations on Instagram Live. The meditations incorporated different techniques like breathwork and body scans but one of my favorite techniques was visualization.
I know what you’re thinking, visualization sounds like some woo-woo, new age practice but I promise it’s not.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, visualization is the practice of picturing images in your mind that has happened (or will happen). More on that here. It can can be used as a tool to plan for the future and even cope with anxiety and high-stress moments like:
- Preparing for job interviews
- Crossing the finish line at a 5K, triathlon or marathon
- Practicing difficult conversations
- Overcoming a fear of heights
Okay Takia, I get it, but what does this have to do with working out?
Let’s say you want to join a new fitness class. Sure, you know the benefits of working out but if you struggle with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or lack of motivation, it’s going to be 10x harder to get started.
Adding visualization to your tool box can help overcome negative self-talk and imposter syndrome by positively envisioning yourself accomplishing the scenario you may be dreading.
Let's Try It Together 🙂
You have a run scheduled at 7:00 AM tomorrow but you would much rather stay in bed.
Close your eyes and imagine it’s 6:30 AM tomorrow morning…
You put on your favorite running tights and your warmest socks. Envision yourself warming up with a cup of coffee or tea before you grab your sneakers and head out the door. You start your watch or app and begin. You’re running your favorite route and despite a shaky first 5 minutes, you find your stride and feel great. You see yourself really enjoying the run. After a few miles, you end back in front of your house. There’s a big, sweaty smile on your face.
You feel a sense of pride because you made it out of bed and finished your run. Now, it’s time for breakfast.
And that my friends is visualization. This tactic requires practice and a bit of imagination but you can use it for almost any endeavor at any time. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to see yourself doing hard things. Don’t knock it until you try it!
