You’ve probably been there. The plan was to move your body, eat something healthy and nourishing, maybe journal or meditate. But life happened. You missed a workout. You ate the hot chips, then the burger, then the chocolate, then added the pizza, because you already ate badly anyway. You finished the day lying on the couch with endless scrolling.
And then, the worst part, your inner critic shows up.
Why did I skip the workout? I’m so lazy, I will put on weight from today, I never stick to anything. I am a failure. I may as well eat everything now (goes on to further binge). Why did I binge? I’ll start again on Monday. I feel so gross. I am disgusting. I just can’t do anything right.
Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: It’s not your lack of willpower that’s holding you back. It’s the belief that you need to be better before you can feel good about yourself.
That’s where self-acceptance comes in. And science backs it up.
Why Self-Acceptance Isn’t Just “Being Soft”
Let’s get something clear: self-acceptance isn’t about giving up or making excuses to be lazy and careless.
It’s about learning how to support yourself through change with compassion, instead of shame. Research shows that shame and self-judgement reduce motivation and increase anxiety.
Compassion, on the other hand, helps build resilience, boosts consistency and makes healthy habits sustainable over time.
Put simply… when you like yourself, you’re more likely to take care of yourself.
It makes sense, right?!
The Cycle of “Start-Stop” Ends Here
So many people get caught in this cycle:
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Start a new wellness routine with intensity
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Miss a day (life happens!)
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Feel guilty
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Quit entirely
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Feel terrible about your failed attempt, plan the next attempt.
At MerryBody, we see this all the time… and we’ve lived it, too.
That’s why we built a method that starts with self-acceptance and compassion first.
You’re not meant to earn your worth through fitness and what you look like!
You’re already enough. You’re already amazing!
The movement, the breath, the meditation… they help you remember this while also supporting your mind and body health.
How Self-Acceptance Changes Your Brain
Neuroscience shows us that the more we practise certain thought patterns, the stronger those neural pathways become. So every time you choose kindness over criticism, you’re reshaping your thoughts and mindset. This is what creates real change… not punishing workouts, strict food rules or 30 day routines that are completely unsustainable.
Change your mind and body with gentle reminders:
I’m doing my best.
I’m allowed to rest.
I’m already worthy.
I can do this.
10-20 minutes of movement is great.
This time for me to do Yoga is not just deserved, I need it!
Santosha: Finding Contentment Within
In Yogic philosophy, there’s a concept called Santosha, which translates to contentment.
Not the kind of surface-level “good vibes only” energy, but a deep, grounded sense of enough-ness. It’s about being at peace with where you are, even as you grow (through the mess).
At MerryBody, we don’t just talk about Santosha… it’s the backbone of everything we do.
We explore it deeply inside our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, where self-acceptance becomes not just a concept, but a daily practice. Yes, by the end of the training, you’ll be qualified to teach Yoga. You’ll experience what it feels like to teach, move and lead from a place of deep inner trust. But perhaps even more powerfully, you’ll uncover a deeper, more accepting and loving relationship with yourself.
Because in the end, teaching Yoga isn’t about the perfect pose or the right playlist… it’s about showing up with presence and compassion. And we believe this begins with self-acceptance.
This Is the Work That Works
Here’s how we integrate self-acceptance into your workouts:
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Don’t hyper-fixate on the external. It’s about consistent movement that feels good.
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Modifications and options for everybody and every level. This is not taking the ‘easy option’, it’s tuning into what YOU need on that particular day, whether it’s easing back or pushing through.
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It’s ok to pause, breathe and check in with how you feel, not just what you achieve.
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Make time for meditation and slower classes (like Yin Yoga) that nurture you and calm your nervous system.
With this way of exercise, you’re not just changing your body… you’re changing your relationship with it.
Ready to Try a New Way?
If you’re tired of starting over. If you’re sick of your ‘wellness’ routine that is rooted in criticism. If you want movement that feels like a joyful time in your day and not a punishment… try out MerryBody! Start today with a free 7-day trial of the MerryBody App. Yoga, Pilates, and meditation that supports your body and your mind.
Always merrymaking,
Emma + Carla
