I am making efforts in my life to be more positive. Life is just better when I have a smile on my face. I feel better, I eat better, I have better workouts. Overall, being positive is good for my health, and Im not the only one who thinks so. According to an article from Mayo Clinic:
Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress
- Greater resistance to the common cold
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
- Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
I am completely serious when I say Im making an "effort." At times being positive is difficult and it takes a lot to see the good in an awful day, but the more effort I put in to being positive, the more I realize that negativity is much like a disease. It starts with something small, maybe a complaint about the way you look in your outfit, then that negativity spreads and what started out as a little complaint turns into an infection of negative, self-doubting, irrational observations. Suddenly, that one little complaint has got you into a negativity funk.
- Increased lifespan
If youre dieting, this funk can easily throw you off track. Dont believe me? Let me explain. Here are 3 ways negativity could be ruining your diet.
Its Harder to Recognize Accomplishments
For me, when Im negative, I dwell on the bad so much that I never recognize the good Im doing. For instance, last week I went to the gym and was supposed to do 45 minutes on the treadmill. I got halfway through my workout and I didnt want to keep going anymore. I had a bad day and just wanted to go home. I stopped the treadmill and went to stretch. Initially I was really disappointed in myself for giving up. I felt like a failure. I had two options in this moment, I could choose to feel like a failure and let that keep me from stepping back on the treadmill the next day, or I could take the more positive approach. So thats what I did. I reminded myself that one bad workout is not the end of the world. Plus, Ive come so far! It wasnt until later that night that I realized I had set a new time for running a mile, so even though I didnt finish my entire workout, I still I improved. I never would have recognized this in my moment of negativity. When I took the time to look at the situation from a different perspective, I realized that I accomplished something amazing!
Take the time to recognize all youve accomplished. Maybe you didnt lose as much weight as wanted to but youre closer to your goal now than you were before you started, right?
Youre More Likely to Engage in Emotional Eating
The pity party. Weve all thrown ourselves one. If you eat when youre mad or lonely or sad, negativity can be a catalyst to diet cheats. You see, that little negative Nelly that lives inside our heads likes to make us think that being mad will help us feel better, that voice makes us think that we are alone and no one cares, that voice also tells us were not good enough shes wrong! Her observations are based off emotion and not fact. As emotional beings, we try to seek out something to cope with those feelings. Unfortunately that tends to be food. Dont let emotions rule your life! When youre feeling emotional, take just one minute to analyze the facts. The fact is, being mad wont solve your problems. Youre not alone, there are literally dozens of people in this world who care about you. They may not be available at every moment you need them to be, but they still care. You may be sad, but sadness is a temporary emotion, there will be more moments of happiness in your life if you can just get through this small struggle.
Youre Less Likely to Feel Motivated
Have you ever gotten up in the morning and just wanted to lay in bed for the rest of your life? Youre tired of dealing with work, youve got a million things on your plate, you just want to close your eyes and escape the chaos. Well, this isnt the best way to start your day! Its hard to get pumped up for an awesome day when all you can think about is how tired you are. Look at each day as an opportunity. Acknowledge that some days are going to be difficult but you are more than capable of making it through. Try this: First thing when you wake up say, "I cant wait to see what challenges I overcome." Isnt that so much better? This statement acknowledges that you may encounter problems, but it also reaffirms your ability to come out on top. Its so much easier to stick to your diet when you start your day with empowering thoughts.
Bad days are inevitable, but a bad day doesnt mean you have to eat poorly. Staying positive, even when its tough, can make all the difference in your diet!
What are some ways you pull yourself out of a negativity funk?
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