Staying fit in the outdoors gives you the opportunity to transform your thinking and literally rewire your brain. The power of your mind can greatly enhance your health, shape your life and help to create huge successes!
Just like our bodies can get into a rut with the same fitness routines, our minds can fall into negative patterns as well.
So, let’s get into some strategies for how to think positive before and during your outdoor activities, and ways that’ll help guarantee you’re as ready mentally as you are physically.
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Mental Imagery- Visualize Your Best Self
One of the best ways I’ve found to prepare yourself for a challenging workout is to fill your mind with positive and uplifting images. You can do this before your workout or even during the warm up.
Close your eyes and see yourself performing well during your workout or activity. Imagine moving effortlessly and confidently over the terrain, head held upright, full of energy and taking in the beautiful scenery. Now fully immerse yourself in this picture and feel how easily your body and mind begin to flow as you move into your workout.
When learning a new activity or your faced with more challenging situations, often times your inner voice can be the deciding factor between moving forward or calling it quits.
This happened to me when I started running again. When I first began increasing the mileage, I would give up early because I told myself it was too difficult. A few minutes into it, my legs would start hurting and I would huff and puff. The physical was dictating my mental state. My thoughts would spiral down from there.
However, once I became aware of these thoughts, I started turning those thoughts around. Instead, when I started hurting or becoming fatigued, I told myself that yes, it hurts for now, but I am still physically capable of running the entire way.
Maintaining positivity when learning a new activity or experiencing challenging circumstances is a choice. You can let the physical determine your mental state- or get your mind strong so you can achieve your fitness goals and overcome the physical limitations. Here are some ways to make your mind more resilient:
Use to Learn New Skills
Mental imagery is very useful for learning new skills as research has proven over and over again. For instance, this was applied to an experiment related to practicing the piano. One group only visualized themselves learning and the other group actually played. The results were almost the same!
So-related to outdoor pursuits, positive thinking begins before you even set foot on the trail.
I use visualization with my mountain biking as well. I will see myself riding fast, turning corners with ease, and staying on my bike the entire time. This has helped me tremendously over the years. When I was first learning, I would go over the handle bars quite often. (This is why I wear elbow/knee pads and full face helmet).
An extension of mental imagery is what you say out loud as well. What you speak matters a lot and reflects your thoughts about yourself. The words you say out loud are the bridge between what is in your mind and the action you take. Putting the spoken word out there, is the first seed you plant. Positive self-talk & affirmations can reinforce your resolve. Whether it’s a simple ‘I can do this’ or a more specific ‘I am a strong and resilient climber,’ affirmations sow those seeds of confidence.
{On a side note… (my soap box) -One of the worst things you can do is put yourself down and think negative thoughts about yourself. From experience, one of the factors that can lead to negative thoughts is comparing yourself to others. You are unique and God made you different from everyone else. So why would you compare yourself to someone that has a completely different set of circumstances? }
You can always adjust your approach down the road, but starting with a mental toolbox brimming with positivity will give you the edge to navigate nature’s curves with a smile.
Mental Focus- Mindfulness
Mental focus is being able to concentrate on the task at hand. This is placing your attention on the present moment without interruption from external or internal noise. Another way to look at mental focus is mindfulness.
This means your mind if full of this moment. Your not planning what you’re going to have for dinner or replaying an argument from earlier. You are immersed completely in the NOW.
There is a strong correlation between being mindful and staying in a positive state. By focusing on the present and being aware of your thoughts, you can catch those negative thoughts more quickly and before they start spiraling out of control.
Being mindful is the mental equivalent of kinesthetic awareness. Just like your body is tuned into the environment, your mind is aware of and involved in the moment to moment consciousness.
Countless studies have shown that our mental state has a profound impact on our physical abilities. With positive thinking, you can push your limits and enjoy a more fulfilling outdoor experience.
Challenges to Mindfulness
Mental focus is an acquired skill (just like building physical endurance and skill sets). It’s not always easy to be mindful in our world that is filled with noise and chaos. There are numerous external and internal distractions that can pull us in a hundred different directions.
External distractions during workouts include traffic, loud noises, garbage on the trail. Internal distractions include our self-talk which can often become habitual and rote. We tend to think the same negative thoughts over and over again. In some cases, we can carry the same negative thoughts with us for years! These thoughts over time can chip away at your self esteem and belief in your abilities.
Through training your mind to be mindful, you can replace these negative thoughts with positive ones instead. You can always create new beliefs and images about who you are and what you’re capable of!
Cultivating a Community of Positivity: Shared Strength in Group Outings
There’s a time for going solo and a time for group outings. There’s something special about a shared adventure with optimistic companions. For instance, the energy of a positive group can turn an ordinary hike into an extraordinary memory.
Now, think about the last time you were out with friends or family in nature. Did the enthusiasm of one person uplift everyone else? It’s not magic; it’s the power of positivity at play. When you radiate positive vibes, you’ll likely notice others mirroring your attitude, creating an upward spiral of morale.
Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing the right adventure partners. Opt for those who bring out the best in you and others.
If you’re worried about the group dynamic, plan ahead. Set the tone with some pre-trip motivation, maybe share some inspiration or goals for the outing. On the trail, keep the atmosphere light with encouragement and jokes – humor is a secret weapon for maintaining high spirits.
Remember that group adventure isn’t just about the route you take; it’s about the shared moments of encouragement, the collective overcoming of challenges, and the memories built with laughter and teammate high-fives. And, if you hit a rough patch, it’s the collective strength that’ll help you push through to the other side.
In summary, having a great experience outdoors begins with a positive mindset. The mind and body are connected, so don’t let your thinking stop you from doing what you love. Visualize yourself doing well & succeeding in that particular activity. Have mental focus and practice mindfulness so you can stop negative thoughts in their tracks.
Have other thoughts on how the Power of Positivity related to Outdoor fitness and adventure? Thanks for sharing- and have an Amazing Day!
