We have all judged someone at some point of our lives whether intentionally or unintentionally. Many times, the way people judge stems from perceptions developed during their childhood. Judgments can come from society, religion, media, music, and other industries. Hearing these judgments may reinforce negative outlooks one has on themselves as they begin to subconsciously believe what they are hearing. That is why you should take the time to work towards creating a judgement free wellness place for yourself.
According to the Huffington Post, an over sum of judgment does have a negative effect on your thoughts, emotions, and physical health. It often manifests itself as anger, frustration, insecurities, anxiety, depression, tense muscles, and other forms of stress or dissonance.
How Judging Ourselves Affects Us
This unfortunate clouding of the mind does not just stop with mental health, it impacts the immune system, as well as other facets of the human body. A judgment free wellness space is more than just a place to go for fitness. These spaces cultivate a nurturing and accommodating atmosphere to diminish the negative chatter that is ongoing in many people’s minds.
At the gym or studio fitness classes, some people often experience self-doubt and a general setting of competition. Am I doing what the instructor is doing? Is this the correct form? Do I look silly? There are so many negative thoughts and comparisons that come up during these times where people may feel vulnerable. Nonetheless, it is important to reframe your thoughts which can be achieved in a judgment free space. To create this kind of self-accepting and inclusive environment, it’s paramount to emphasize body positivity.
Practicing Body Positivism
Body positivity is not being okay with unhealthy habits and bad health, but instead, it is accepting where you currently are in your fitness journey and loving yourself as is. By accepting yourself now, you will have less negative self-talk. It is okay to not look as you desire and still love yourself while you work towards a healthier lifestyle.
Judgment free spaces highlight self-love through how body image is discussed. An environment like this should not tolerate self-deprecating talk as it will just reaffirm subconscious perceptions one already has of oneself. The idea is to get them out of that frame of mind and reject those toxic thought patterns.
Essentially, some people use dark deplorable humor as a coping mechanism for dealing with internal scars and judgments of self. Fortunately, there are many other healthy mediums to handle this through going to the root of the issue and understanding why these jokes are made in the first place. Having a support group is another bonus to these judgment free spaces, as the people here are empathetic to your situation and ready to offer help where it is needed.
Yoga studios, fitness classes, and gyms can all incorporate a judgement free wellness space to not only shape one’s physique but also recondition the psyche. People will be able to leave these environments with much more appreciation for themselves, self-love, clarity, confidence and inspiration.
Setting Your Own Judgement-free Space
It is true oftentimes that we are our own worst critics. Find a space within your own home you can turn into your own judgement free wellness place. Your kitchen, your bedroom, that reading niche you built up in the corner. Any space you choose to label “judgement-free.” Make it a habit to visit this space once a day or more to start practicing self care and self love. Add some “no judgement” signs or quotes to remind you precisely why you’re sitting there.
Keep these thoughts in mind as you meditate or as you question things you did throughout the day. Instead of punishing yourself for not getting the highest score on a test, not meeting the deadline, or simply not feeling your best, focus on your progress and your positivity to keep working towards those goals. Slowly, but steadily you’ll see how your own psyche will shift away from judging yourself and more towards become more self aware of its surroundings and your efforts.