My sense of self got lost on Instagram

Have you ever found yourself getting sucked in to social media, especially Instagram only to find yourself depressed, possibly horny, and feel violated because its like soft porn?  Social media is a great platform to promote and create but the images over time may be more harmful than good. 

As a trainer, coach, and yoga instructor, the body is my platform and image is everything.  Body distortion or body dismorphic disorder is everywhere.  The best of the models, fitness elites and coaches have a predisposition to their own body distortion.  There is only one way to go when you are a model of fitness and beauty…be perfect.  Well here is what perfect looks like inside:

• ·      Perfectionism isn’t about striving for excellence, it is a defense move so we don’t have to express feelings
• ·      Feel like you have to earn approval and self worth
• ·      Correlated to depression, anxiety, addiction and not doing things in life because you have fear you won’t be perfect
• ·      May cause judgment, comparison, shame
• ·      Distorts reality of self and others
• ·      “All this virtual reality is virtually shit” Momma G

Each one of us is supposed to be a prototype of you, not Kim Kardashian or Paige Hathaway.  We are supposed to be a magnificent machine housing our soul that offers love, compassion and a powerful self.  Our bodies are designed to functionally move with stability, strength, and flexibility pushing self beyond small challenges that condition the beauty you already have.  Exercise increases self-esteem and positive self-awareness.  However, if you are trying to be someone else, there is no one that is going to be you. Love your body, love yourself and all else will fall into place.

The whole thing about fitness and looking a desired way is LIFESTYLE.  When you practice certain behaviors daily, weekly, yearly you will produce the desired outcome.  Here are some tips to guide you along the MOVE lifestyle path:

Journal your feelings keeping it real without judgment

Be part of a gym, yoga studio, or other fitness that engages in group fitness

Meditate

Surround yourself with people who share your same core values

Eat clean foods and avoid processed

Supplement meals with smoothies to beat the heat and fill you up

Drink lots of water (almost a gallon a day!)