All-or-Nothing Thinking

All-or-nothing thinking is a cognitive distortion in which we divide experiences into categories of either “black or white” and “right or wrong”. When I think of this way of thinking as it pertains to fitness, I think of if I can’t get my normal hour long workout in, then I am not going to do it all. If I can’t go on my normal 30 minute walk, then I am not going to go on my walk at all. “If I can’t finish everything, then I won’t do anything.” This is obviously a flawed way of thinking and can lead to: depression, anxiety and eating disorders. The first step is noticing your inner dialogue inside your head and attempt to start reframing the way that we are talking to ourselves. Something is always better than nothing when it comes to exercise. A quick walk on your lunch break will make you feel better and help you build momentum in your health and fitness routine. If you see this type of behavior in other aspects of your life, seeking a therapist is always recommended.