Sunday Stuff #007
CELEBRATE YOUR WINS: WHY THE SCALES ISN’T THE WHOLE STORY
Ah, the humble bathroom scale. Love it, hate it, or fantasise about smashing it with a sledgehammer, it’s been a staple of the weight-loss journey for decades. But here’s the thing: while tracking your weight can be helpful, it’s not the only way—or even the best way—to measure progress. Enter Non-Scale Victories (NSVs), the unsung heroes of your health journey. These small, everyday wins remind us that progress is about more than just numbers.
What Are Non-Scale Victories?
NSVs are those moments when you realize you’re making progress in ways a scale could never measure. Like the first time you bound up a flight of stairs without gasping like a fish out of water. Or when you notice your jeans fit better (and it’s not because you accidentally stretched them in the wash). These victories are proof that every healthy choice adds up, even if your scale hasn’t caught on yet.
The Millwater Edition of NSVs
Living in Millwater, where the scenery practically begs you to get outside and move, you might notice these NSVs creeping into your life:
That coastal walk you used to avoid? It’s suddenly enjoyable (even with the odd seagull drama).
Your skin glows—whether it’s from eating more veggies or the post-workout flush of tackling those rolling hills.
You feel stronger during activities you didn’t realize required strength, like chasing after kids or lifting bags of groceries.
Millwater’s charm makes celebrating these moments even sweeter. And let’s be honest—does anything taste better than a post-victory flat white?
Why NSVs Matter
We all have days when the scale seems to have a mind of its own. But NSVs remind us that progress is multifaceted. A healthier you isn’t just about weight; it’s about energy levels, confidence, and feeling capable. Plus, these victories help you stay motivated by focusing on how your life is improving—not just your waistline.
Celebrate Every Win
Next time you notice you’re more active, sleeping better, or simply feeling good in your skin, take a moment to celebrate. These wins are as important as any number on a scale. So whether you’re enjoying longer dog walks, discovering you actually like spinach, or finally conquering that stubborn hill on your bike ride, know this: every step counts. And here in Millwater, we’re all about counting the good things in life.
If you’re ready to start racking up your own NSVs, I’d love to help. Together, we’ll focus on building habits that make you feel great—on and off the scale. Let’s celebrate your progress every step of the way. Who’s in?
"20 years from now, the only people who will remember that you worked late are your kids"
– David Clarke
THREE TIPS
MANAGING STRESS IN YOUR DAILY LIFE
#1.
ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES
Learn to say no to commitments that drain your energy and set healthy boundaries in relationships and at work to protect your time and well-being.
#2.
SEEK SOCIAL SUPPORT
Reach out to friends, family, or a support network to share your feelings and experiences and to receive emotional support during stressful times.
#3.
ENGAGE IN RELAXATION ACTIVITIES
Dedicate time to hobbies, interests, or activities that bring you joy and relaxation, helping to counteract the effects of stress.
Stressful situations arise daily, and everyone's experience of stress is unique. Stressors can range from delivering a speech or presentation, dealing with family issues, to being stuck in traffic. Some situations impact us more than others, so it's crucial to know how to manage them effectively.
Here’s our 6-step method to intercept stress:
Acknowledge the Stress: Embrace the pressure you're feeling and accept it as a natural response.
Change Your Self-Talk: Adjust your internal language to be more positive and supportive.
Shift Your Perspective: Look for the positives in the situation and consider what you can learn from it.
Control Your Breathing: Take conscious control of your breathing rate and depth to calm your mind and body.
Perform a Body Scan: Check in with your body, release any tension, and relax your muscles.
Smile: Smiling can elevate your mood and shift your emotional state. Remember, you can't experience two conflicting emotions at once, and a smile can bring positivity
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
What activities or hobbies outside of work bring me joy and fulfilment, and how can I schedule time for them?
