The path to this "place"
does not usually come easy, it is not likely that someone will knock on your
door anytime soon and hand you a map and the key to a fulfilling lifetime. It
is usually a hard and steep climb to the top, or sometimes we have the tools
and resources all along but just don't realize it until everything is painfully
taken away, for whatever reason, and one hits their "rock bottom"
forced to start all over climbing up the proverbial mountain, but this time,
you own each step and you feel the pain because you want to get to the top at
whatever cost.
Many of us have kicked our bad
habits to curb, no longer taking things to extremes, desperately
looking for healthier alternatives. Whether it's cigarettes, alcohol, or food,
saying good bye to these health zapping tormentors is never easy, especially if
you have not replaced these habits with anything else. Call it a new beginning,
if you like, but you must clean up your act by swapping your unhealthy
tendencies with healthy ones. Here are a few tips to jump start your new and
improved lifestyle.
1)
Move it! Exercise will be your salvation:
Don't take my word for it, try for
yourself! Whether you run, walk, ride your bike or work out at the gym or in
your bedroom, there is actually more to it than staying fit and trim, although
that is not bad for starters! For me it was more about having control - no
longer a slave to things that made me feel bad physically, just because this
was my life and I didn't feel like I had the strength or ability to change. I
also felt guilty, which is a huge drain emotionally, so the justification
process starts. Denial and all sorts of little tactics that allow one to
continue participating in unhealthy behavior. All that precious energy is spent
on disguising elements of your life instead of celebrating it, feeling good
about the choices you are making. For sanity's sake, get those endorphins
circulating and you will feel a natural high like none other. You
will also look great too!
2)
Don't Resist the Urge to Rest:
It is unfortunate that we sometimes
associate naps with laziness, because these days, most of us are simply not
able to get straight eight hours of sleep that we need at night. Instead
of feeling frazzled and unproductive all day, take a well deserved time out.
Grab your favorite pillow, cushy throw, cuddle up and catch up on some guilt
free midday zzz's. It will seem like the greatest luxury in the world! When you
emerge, you will feel refreshed, rejuvenated and will, no doubt, be more
efficient at whatever it is you are trying to accomplish!
3)
Make Exercise "Me" Time
Finding the time to exercise or sneak
in some alone time is not always easy when you have kids or constant
obligations at work. Solution: combine the two. It is easier to schedule
exercise time for yourself, turn on some music and savor the time alone, doing
yoga, stretching, exercising, meditating or whatever you enjoy doing. You
have to get creative, make "me" time an essential part of your daily
routine, and in the long run, you will find yourself in better spirits. Quality
time not quantity is the important thing to remember. If you feel stressed and
overwhelmed you are not going to savor that extra time with your kids or have
the ability to showcase your efficiency at work.
4)
Find a Creative Outlet
Some of us have a hobby already that
we really enjoy, something that helps us to unwind and at the same time feel
like we are creating something special. Or maybe there is something that you
have always wanted to do but don't know how to get started. Take a class! Most
community colleges have inexpensive adult education courses locally that have
instruction on really fun things, like cooking, pottery, jewelry, yoga,
photography, or why not write a novel? The last time I looked, I was amazed at
some of the things that were available. Learning or trying something new not
only builds your self esteem and confidence in yourself, it forces you to
expand your horizons, meeting new people and doing something that could perhaps
lead to a favorite past time. If you don't try you'll never know what could
have been!
5)
Cave to Cravings--Occasionally
Now that you have made the connection
between diet, exercise and how you feel, primarily eating a healthy diet full
of fresh fruit and veggies and lean proteins.....indulge every once in awhile!
An occasional treat is not going to ruin life, however one thing that I noticed
the last time I over indulged with a pint of ice cream is that I actually feel
better when I eat better. I think the important thing with diet is balance. As
long as you don't go to extremes, you won't feel deprived and different and at
the same time, it won't through off your typically healthy diet regime.
6)
Boycott Boredom
In addition to running and walking, stay
active and try new things like Pilate’s, yoga, salsa dancing, anything to
keep yourself interested and ward off boredom. You can alternate or you might
just find a new way to stay fit and have fun at the same time.
7)
Act as if
I used to look at people that smiled
all the time and think that they must have a secret formula to happiness, a joy
club that I wanted to be a part of but obviously did not understand. In
reality, as I learned in time, everyone has their own problems but that does
not mean that you have to wear your worries like a victim badge. In fact, if
you act as if you are happy even when you are not, you will attract positive
energy and good things are more likely to happen in your life. I have found
that so many times, the people who I thought had such an easy, charmed life
were really survivors who overcame incredible obstacles, working very hard to
succeed. If you act as if you are grateful for the life that you do have and
focus on what you can do to make your life better, don't be surprised when
happy happens! Health will not be far behind!
No comments:
Post a Comment