I've found that women tend to put everyone ahead of our ownselves, so when I read this article in the Macomb Daily Newspaper I just had to share it with all of you! The title of the article is Be your own Valentine: Commit to a healthy lifestyle found on the front page of Health, Section C.
Whether your single, or in a relationship, February 14th can be an opportunity to renew your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and enhance your well being. The article goes on to leave some tips to incorporate from TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a nonprofit weight-loss support organization, for increased peace of mind and tranquility that lasts well beyond the Valentine holiday.
So here are the tips left by TOPS, I encourage everyone to try at least 5 of them! The best part is that most of the ideas or at no cost or low cost to YOU! Since I've started my new lifestyle and changed my eating habits I'm a much more energetic and happy person! So enjoy these tips and share your thoughts with me, and give yourself a much needed Valentines gift for you!
- Count your blessings. Think about what you are thankful for, and record them in a journal each night. The habit of looking on the bright side of each day and being grateful helps create an upbeat attitude and can add a sweet touch to life.
- Realize how great it is that you are one of a kind. Appreciate your voice, vision, and uniqueness
- Write down your many talents and qualities that you like about yourself. They can be a grand as flying an airplane or as simple as frequently leaving a tip at your local coffee shop. Continue being aware, and add to this list for a regular boost of self-esteem. You might surprise yourself!
- Remember the special people in your life. February 14th doesn't have to focus on the love your share with your significant other. Consider family members, friends, and mentors who make your life meaningful the rest of the year. Send a handmade card to let them know how much your care or spend an afternoon just catching up, to leave both of you feeling treasured.
- Try something new. Give yourself permission to take risks by exploring a new hobby (like scrapbooking, 3-d projects and card making ! If you've never done these things I can help! ), tackling that home improvement project, or training for a race. Don't let fear or excuses hold you back from your best self.
- Get enough rest. The Archives of Internal Medicine say that people who sleep less than seven hours per night appear about three times as likely to develop respiratory illnesses as those who sleep eight hours or more. In addition to improving judgment, problem-solving and creativity, a well-rested mind and boyd will have increased energy levels, making it easier to commit to an exercise and healthy eating program! (This is true for me! The more sleep I get the easer it is to get to the gym and eat properly the whole day)
- Indulge in a (non-food) treat. Do something nice for yourself. Buy a bouquet of flowers to brighten up your home, pamper your feet with a rejuvenating pedicure or manicure, a relaxing massage, purchase that stamp set, or accessory you've been waiting to get, or register for that scrapbooking class you've been wanting to attend. Valentines Day is the prefect occasion to treat yourself well.
- Take time to write down and examine your goals. You may surprise yourself, as expressing your goals specifically on paper can be freeing and open possibilities you might never have considered. Many of them might already be within your grasp!
- Create a food and exercise/activity plan tailored just for you. There may be no need to hire a trainer or sign up for a gym. Look around for healthy workout tips, meal plans an delicious, lowe calorie recipes. Read newspapers, magazines, visit the local library or surf the Web for free materials. If you are looking for a great gym or personal trainers let me know I have two awesome trainers and I love my gym!
- Relax, play and enjoy life --without guilt! Just as a car's battery won't work unendingly without being recharged, remember that everyone needs to give themselves a break occasionally. Stop expecting the impossible from yourself and simply do the best you can with each day!
Let me know which 5 you try! I know you'll be glad you did!
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