Hello fellow Pilates teachers,
Happy Self-Care Saturday! Today, let's take a moment to reflect on the power of our thoughts and how we can channel them towards a more positive and stress-free life. As Pilates professionals, we often teach our clients about the importance of mind-body connection, and today, I want to highlight an intriguing piece of research that aligns perfectly with our philosophy.
Did you know that 85% of what we worry about never actually happens? This statistic comes from a fascinating study where participants were asked to write down their worries over an extended period. Astonishingly, the vast majority of these worries—85%—never materialised. Even for the remaining 15% that did occur, 79% of people found they handled the situation better than they had anticipated, or that the experience taught them a valuable lesson (Psychology Today) (TLEX Mind Matters).
This means that a whopping 97% of our worries are essentially unfounded, either never coming to pass or turning out to be manageable. Imagine the relief and extra energy we could all gain if we let go of these unnecessary fears!
As we guide our clients through their Pilates journeys, it's crucial to remind them—and ourselves—of this reality. Worrying less can lead to better mental and physical health. Research shows that chronic worrying can lead to significant stress, which impacts everything from our brain mass to our immune system, and even accelerates aging (ACHNET).
Here are a few tips to help you and your clients worry less and enjoy more:
Practice Mindfulness: Encourage regular mindfulness exercises. Simple breathing techniques or meditation can significantly reduce anxiety and bring us back to the present moment.
Keep a Worry Journal: Just as the study participants did, jot down your worries and revisit them after a week or month. You'll likely find that most of them never came true.
Focus on What You Can Control: Direct your energy towards actions and thoughts that are within your control. Let go of what you cannot change.
Positive Visualisation: Instead of imagining worst-case scenarios, try visualising positive outcomes. This can shift your mindset from fear to optimism.
Regular Exercise: As Pilates teachers, we know the power of movement. Encourage your clients to stay active, as regular exercise can greatly reduce stress and anxiety.
So on this Self-Care Saturday, let’s commit to worrying less and living more. By understanding the deceptive nature of our worries, we can free ourselves to focus on what truly matters—our well-being and the joy of living in the moment.
Take care, stay positive, and enjoy your Saturday!
Warm regards,
Michael
🙏. Anxiety always has a habit of kicking in at the most inopportune of moments, but yes usually 💯 unfounded. It's being aware when things aren't aligned and stepping away when we're able that is important. Giving ourselves a little grace.