I catch myself on a regular basis saying something like, “Maggie, you dolt” or “Ugh, Maggie, what were you thinking.” (Yes, I talk to myself.) I think we all sometimes subtly, sometimes more obviously put ourselves down. Sometimes with the way we look at ourselves or the way we think about ourselves.
This year, catch yourself when you’re thinking negative thoughts about you. Try to stop and exchange the bad thought with a good one.
Do you want to watch your portion sizes in 2010? Let Ramekins help you. They are good guides for small amounts of food. Use a ramekin for snacks like ice cream, pop corn, chips, pretzels. Don’t use it for small items like nuts, skittles or M&M’s.
Last week a client told me about a group of people at her office that have started a “Stairs Club.” During lunch or short breaks they take the stairs. She works in a seven story building and this group goes up and down together multiple times. It’s a wonderful way to take a little break and move the body, and the weather can never interfere with your fitness routine. Plus, working out with a group always makes it easier and makes the time fly by. It’s also a great way to make time for exercise in a busy day.
I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy family and friends today. Really let yourself enjoy them and try not to get stressed about the holiday season.
We live in a society where we think we have to be happy all the time. We often take drugs to try and make ourselves happy. We seem to think it’s not okay to be sad. Sure, chronic depression is a problem that may need to be treated, but sometimes, it’s okay to feel down in the dumps.
It is okay to feel grief, anger and fear–emotions we tend to run screaming from. We can’t indulge them forever, but once in a while it is totally acceptable to allow yourself to be sad.
There is a concept in Taoism that explains that grief is okay. When bad things happen in life, we are going to be said. We have to allow ourselves to be sad, not fight it. Accept sadness, and when the time is right pull ourselves up from our bootstraps and get back on the path to a happier well being.
The start of the holiday season can be a tough time for people. Recognize that it is okay to feel the way you feel.