Source: LOHAS Weekly Newsletter
The world we live in says you are entitled to self-satisfaction, fulfillment and accomplishment. While there seems nothing wrong with having self-confidence or self-esteem how you build it could be detrimental to your physical and mental health if the boundaries of moderation are breached. Here's how, in lifestyle statements that cover the body, mind and spirit:
Body
"I'm lazy." Nobody ever said you have to remain active 24/7 of your time. But by claiming laziness, you justify not exercising, working, getting off your butt. Studies have shown that couch potatoes do end up as shapeless as potatoes themselves. More and more studies reveal that people who move less are more prone to illness than their more active counterparts.
"I'm starved." The stomach, if you study digestion, is hardly ever empty. Because the entire process takes anywhere from three to five hours, by the time snacks are served, your lunch is in still the final stages of digesting.
So when hunger pangs seize you, don't be dismayed. Eat something raw, like fruits and vegetables. This way, they get to occupy your tummy leaving less room for foods you normally crave for. Giving in to cravings may become a habit which could eventually become a lifestyle.
"I'm tired." When your body speaks to you, listen. Much like a traffic light, this message means a yellow warning. Slow down. Take it easy. Tiredness is only a signal to practice the three R's--relax, rest, recharge.
"I'm sick." Sickness is the stage you reach probably because you ignored the yellow signal. Definitely, you will need to stop all activity and have complete rest. At this time, detox yourself by rehydrating your system with liquids--water, coconut water as well as vegetable and fruit juices.
Mind
"I'm depressed." The rhythms and drives of your mind are connected to the brain, so closely linked that hormonal changes released by the brain directly affect your emotions. Before you declare yourself as depressed, study your pattern. Find out the stressors in your life that are causing it. Do some mind-body relaxation regimens like yoga, walking, swimming. Basically, exercise can stimulate your brain to release endorphins which can put you in a state of ease. Drink calming herbal teas. Have a massage. If all else fails, see a doctor.
Caution: There are some people who take pleasure in their pain and who enjoy misery. While this may only be an unconscious drive on their part, it pays to find a sympathetic ear who is aware of this pitfall.
"I'm a loser." The mind is a highly programmable computer. If constantly bombarded with negative thoughts such as this, it will eventually start believing it by triggering the self to fail in all aspects of living--relationships, career, health, finances and personal outlook.
Spirit
"I'm invincible." To adopt a stance of indestructibility places undue pressure and demands on the psyche. Since the fine line between spirit and mind is unclear and undefined, this statement could be interpreted as a state of mind. Telling yourself that nothing and no one can harm you may make you callous to realities like viruses, germs, bacteria, pollution, malnutrition, stress.
By thinking of invincibility, you may not take precaution nor gear yourself against illness. Just like in the case of a friend, a 50-year-old marathoner who took no supplements and would boast to friends that he never got sick. While he might have had a physically appealing physique, little did he know that one day he would collapse due to a heart attack. Apparently, his body was deprived of magnesium for so long. He has since recovered and is now living a more balanced lifestyle.
Daily invocation
The art of invoking positive thoughts and feelings is perfected by the heart but borne of the mind. Much like prayer, it seeks to receive blessings with gratitude. Invoke daily something good, whether big or small. And watch the days ahead unfold dramatically. Example: "Every day, blessings come my way."
Love and light!
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