MizFit has a theme this year that encourages others to be more responsible for their health. Just today I was thinking about being responsible for my emotions.
Yes, I have my ups and downs, especially when I’m losing weight. Having a calorie deficit is sure to change a few things. However I don’t share my downs because that doesn’t help me or you reach goals. But, we all have to deal with these emotions, and we are all responsible for our emotions, as well as our health.
Here are some helpful tips to help you steer clear of those weight loss blues, or pull yourself right back out of them.
Focus on your dream-
Whatever it may be, focus on the one thing that always motivates you. If it’s not cutting it any more, then it’s time to find something that will motivate you. Find it, define it, and set a goal. This will create immediate energy towards that goal.
Recommit-
It’s safe to say that often we get off track and deviate from our plans, goals, and even our dreams. Luckily there is no reason you can’t just jump back on the path and start jogging again =) (pun definitely intended)
Do something you never do-
Paint your toes, go swimming, rock climbing, deep clean the house, finish that project, clean out the fridge, read for fun, try a new recipe, or better yet try a new food. This will create a feeling of accomplished. Now every time you look at your toes, or open the fridge you can think…wow, look what i did. I rock!
Do something for some one else-
Write a thank you card, send flowers, make dinner, even just a friendly phone call. This will keep you from thinking about yourself so much, and encourage an attitude of gr gratitude.
Get out-
Walk to the store, go for a drive just to look around. I did this once in my old neighborhood, and was amazed that a few miles down the street was a ravine with nothing but fields of grain, and horses, and then it all opened up into this beautiful green valley. Considering at the time I lived next to a Highway just off an Inter State, this was a huge shock to me.
Count your blessings-
Ex…God, the hubby, the boys, home, car, running water, heat, a/c, clothes, hot showers, food, freedom, tax returns, green grass, blue sky’s, clouds, wind, rain, and even electricity. (Ours went out today and I forgot how much I use it. I was cooking eggs and toast and then…”Oh well, I guess we will have chicken for breakfast boys, and sandwiches instead of toast.”)
Eat something sweet and starchy-
Yes, you heard me. Just make sure it is low in fat so you don’t totally sabotage your goals. The blues can easily be triggered by lack of serotonin. Women already have on average 50% less then men, but then you cut back you calories (especially the sweet and starchy ones that trigger the release of serotonin). Now serotonin needs foods such as turkey to be produced but to be released it needs to have just a sweet carb…preferably 3 hours after you last ate protein, and 1 hour before your next meal. This will also help curb your appetite a little. I use 1 cup of Honey Nut Cheerios, or some low-fat Gram Crackers.
Exercise-
The more you exercise the more you literally burn of these extra emotions. You can also eat more if you exercise more. I’ve decided I would rather exercises twice a day then cut 500-1000 calories out of my diet. When I exercise more I need to make sure and rest more as well.
Get plenty of sleep-
Any time I get off on my sleep patterns I immediately get messed up emotions. Make sleep a priority. It took me 4 days to undo 2 days of poor sleep choices. I’ll learn from my choices and be more responsible in the future.
Get some sun-
Yes, sun can cause cancer. I’m a redhead, and I’m very careful. I went tanning once with spf 50 on just to warm up…Even with the SPF 50 I got quite a bit of vitamin D and it felt great to warm my bones. Even just finding a window that the sun is shinning thru and sitting or laying in the sun will make a difference in your day.
Write a post like this one-
Being solution oriented will make a big difference. When i started writing this post i wasn’t sure how my day was going to turn out. Now, I’m going to take responsibility and take my own advice and make choices that will benefit my emotional health.
What are some ways you keep your self on the sunny side of life?
