When you look in the mirror, what do you see? A little extra padding in the rear? Thighs that remind you of certain electrical weather conditions? Upper arms that continue to wave long after your hand is done waving? Most of us (me included) have a bad habit of making a laundry list of our imperfections. And we're often more harsh than need be.

It's important to get to a healthy weight; being overweight has many ramifications on your health. And there's nothing wrong with trying to tone and strengthen your body. But don't let a quest for health turn into an unreachable goal of perfection. Instead, accept yourself for who you are and learn to love your strong, healthy body. Some feel-good tips:

• Exercise. Being active energizes you and makes you feel great.
• Choose energy-boosting, nutritious foods.
• Compliment someone else. Being kind to others is good for the spirit.
• Steer conversations to other topics. Do your friends tend to get into my-butt-is-too-big conversations? Change the subject and talk about something more positive.
• Break the habit. Every time an unbidden negative thought about your body comes to mind, follow it with two positive thoughts.
• Catch your zzz's. A good night's sleep can help you maintain a good -- and positive -- mood.

Source

It's probably a good idea to practice come cell phone caution in light of studies linking cells and cancer. But Real Age says cell phones are not all bad -- they might even help you get skinny.

Use your cell to chat with a weight loss buddy and you might stick with your diet better. Just keep your conversation supportive and you'll benefit. Of course, talking in person is best -- no cancer risk here -- and if you have a land line, go this route. If these are not options for you, well, then, the cell will do.

In one study, overweight folks who had lost 18 pounds each through a weight loss program were followed to see how long they could keep their pounds off. Those who spent time each month talking on the phone with an inspirational friend scored best. It's not the phone itself that does the trick. It's the positive human reinforcement that helps you resist daily temptations. It's just that we're all so connected by cells these days -- it's how most of us communicate. So dial away. And be careful at the same time.

Source

I recently wrote a post about writing a love letter to your body. When I look in the mirror, I tend to notice my flaws more than anything else. But there are things I love about my body, too. This is a letter to just one of those positive parts.

Dear calves,

You used to be your average, run-of-the-mill calves, didn't you? But then I started cheerleading in high school and I gave you workouts like you probably never imagined. By senior year, you had developed into rock-hard muscles. I didn't appreciate you back then. I thought you had gotten a little blown out of proportion, so to speak. I hope you can forgive me for that. I was only 16 at the time and I was quite vain.

Here we are, more years later than I'd care to admit. And no matter how our workout routine has changed, you've kept the same rock-hard appearance. It's as if you expect me to put on my old cheerleading skirt and go to the Friday night football game. (Sorry to disappoint, but that's NOT happening.)

You're by far the strongest muscles in my body. You enable me to kick soccer goals that even impress my son. While my other muscles might ache after exercise, you never seem to complain. You're ready to tackle any activity, ready to take on any sport ... and I appreciate your go-get-'em attitude.

Thanks for hanging tough even during those times when I don't give you all the exercise you crave.

Maggie

Source

I was browsing through Divine Caroline and I found this article -- Love Letter to My Right Bicep. I think it's silly and fun, but it's also a great idea.

What part of your body do you just love? Sure, we all have flaws that we tend to zero in on. But rather than focusing on the negative, take a glass-half-full perspective and focus on everything that's awesome about your body.

Do you actually have to write yourself a love letter? It's up to you ... but why not? It's a perfect exercise to remind yourself of what's good, toned, strong, and healthy about your body. It's a positive and affirming way to view yourself. And maybe it will give you some inspiration to keep exercising and strengthening the areas you aren't so thrilled with.

Source

You practice healthy habits. Your partner/family member/close friend does not. It's only natural for you to want to inspire someone you care about to live a healthier life. But how?

Source

I used to be vigilant about exercising every morning... and it felt great. I started my day out with energy and a sense of accomplishment. After adopting my son, however, my schedule has changed and my morning exercise has become sporadic at best. I've vowed to get back on the bandwagon when he returns to school next week, though. Our schedule will be changing naturally -- so it's a good time for me to get my morning self in gear again.

Divine Caroline offers some great inspiration with five reasons to start the day with a workout:

• Better performance at work.
  
• A metabolism boost throughout the day.
• A better night's sleep.
• Increased likelihood to stick with it.
• A happier outlook.

Check out the original article for details. Then, set that alarm clock a little bit earlier and get your move on in the am.

Source

There's no doubt that obesity is a huge problem throughout the world. But is acceptance the key to beating the epidemic? British Health Secretary Alan Johnson thinks so, and he's calling for an end to the vilification of fat people.

According to Mr. Johnson: ''It's easy for politicians to stand on the sidelines accusing the impoverished, the fat and the excluded of only having themselves to blame ... But this is not a licence to hector and lecture people on how they should spend their lives - not least because this simply won't work. Tackling obesity requires a much broader partnership."

So what's the answer? Mr. Johnson is campaigning for a national health movement in the UK that works with people in a positive way, rather than alienating those who are overweight.

Your thoughts?

Source

I'm literally a sobbing crying mess as I write this. I fell in love with a dying man a few weeks ago when I caught wind of him giving an amazing gift to his students, colleagues, friends and family at Carnegie Mellon University. Randy Pausch, a computer science professor gave his Last Lecture now famous on YouTube, on September 18, 2007. Randy's lecture was called "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." Now, I have my own spectacular husband, but I imagine anyone who knows, or knows of Randy . . . would love him very much.

For a man whose pancreas is being destroyed by a cancer that could take his life within months . . . he was hysterical, energetic, inspirational, and relentless about the idea that life can be wonderful every day, and that his days still are. He told stories of his childhood and made one of the most insightful statements I've ever heard. "Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore? Choose!"

Source

Happiness is such a subjective thing, it's hard to identify lifestyle elements that could possibly appeal to everyone. After all, what makes one person happy could make another person stressed! However, there are certain basic principles that lend themselves to a happy mentality. Here are twenty relatively easy things you can do to help boost a positive attitude.

One tip that's hard to argue with encourages us to try and be mindful during the situations going on at the present time. I consider myself a workaholic sometimes, so that makes it difficult to shut the brain off during casual moments like dinner. Like the article suggests, concentrating on people around me and the conversation we are having makes it easier to unplug from thoughts that would otherwise provoke stress. A little bit of mindfulness can go a long way.

Just saying no is another way to pique a happy mentality. The word "no" may not enter into many people's definition of "happy," but think about it like this: If you're already stressed and stretched thin with your schedule, will saying yes to yet another obligation make you happier? Chances are signing up for more than you asked could bring on more stress. This leads to another great tip: Take a moment for yourself! Get a quiet block of time for nothing but your own thoughts or pursuits. Recharging your batteries is important for a healthy, happy state of mind. Check out more ways to get happier here!

Source

While running and walking on the treadmill today at the gym, I tuned into Live with Regis and Kelly on my cardio theater TV. Well, it was Pat Sajak and Kelly this morning but the format was still the same -- chit-chat over coffee, a review of a few newsy items, spinning of the prize wheel, and then a few guests. The show kept me entertained, passed the time while I pounded away on the rubber beneath my feet, and actually gave me something to think about.

One of today's guests was Hulk Hogan, semi-retired professional wrestler, actor, and sometimes rock bassist who starred on his own VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best and is the new host of NBC's American Gladiators.

Anyone who knows what Hulk Hogan looks like knows the man is bursting at the seams with muscle. This is exactly what prompted host Kelly, who admitted she was admiring his biceps, to ask this giant person about his New Year's resolutions. Did he resolve to go to the gym more? Or less? Nope on both counts, said Hulk Hogan, who shared he spends two hours every day in the gym. His resolutions this year are (1) To stay positive and (2) To be happy.

I like these resolutions. I just might adopt them as guiding principles for the year. For each scenario that faces me, I think I'll strive for the most positive attitude possible. And I'll only choose courses of action that truly make me happy. Now I plan to go to my fitness center more too, unlike Hulk Hogan who doesn't really need any more gym time, but as for my non-specific resolutions, I say Cheers! to being both positive and happy.

Source

A recent study found that although Americans claim to be happier to than those in other countries, we're generally less able to take minor disappointments and setbacks in stride -- we totally let them get us down.

Making a conscious effort not to let small things (like parking tickets or a messed up lunch order) throw off your whole day or week is a big part of having a happy successful life. Maintaining a positive outlook will help you feel more energetic and will benefit all areas of your life. Keeping a mood journal can be a useful tool for keeping perspective, or just taking a step back and looking at the big picture when you catch yourself getting upset over something small.

Source

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

I'm not so good about stretching. I don't stretch for the sake of stretching. I don't stretch for relaxation. I typically don't stretch before a workout. Basically, I don't stretch. But I should. There's no doubt it would help my occasional shin splints. It can also do so much more.

Stretching can loosen my tight ligaments and muscles. It can prevent injury and soothe pain. It can limber my overall body and put me in a more positive frame of mind. Stretching is simple. Yet, for me, it's so hard to accomplish.

Some organizations are offering morning stretching to help employees kick of their days in the right direction. I propose you make stretching a priority early in your days too. If you'll do it, I'll do it too.

Before you flex that body of yours, be sure to stretch correctly so you don't hurt yourself. Stretch slowly and carefully to the point of light tension, not pain, and hold each stretch for 30 seconds. Avoid bouncing during the stretch too.

OK, time to get started. Click here for eight simple stretches to start off the day.

Source

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

Do you engage in "fat" talk? Many women do. It's the norm, actually, for women to regularly say negative things about their bodies. Research proves it.

A study from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina -- home to great white water rafting, by the way -- reveals that "fat talk" is social currency for women. It goes something like this:

"I'm so fat."

"Oh, no, you look great, but my thighs are HUGE."

"YOUR thighs are huge? Look at MINE!"

And so on.

"Fat" talk is not all bad. It creates a solidarity among females. It allows them to open up. It's a way of sharing, disclosing, and receiving reassurance. But wouldn't it be great if we could bond as women without trashing our bodies in the process?

Let's try to minimize our own "fat" talk and see what happens. I predict we'll boost our moods and may even secure a better chance at making healthy choices, perhaps even trimming down.

A positive attitude can do wonders for mental health. So compliment yourself next time you're about to slip into "fat" talk. Surely, you've got a few redeeming qualities you can acknowledge. I know, it seems like bragging, but give a try. I'll go first. I won't tell you about my least favorite body part, although it's tempting. I'll only tell you this: I like my calf muscles. I consider them my best feature, in fact.

That wasn't so hard. Your turn.

Source

Need a pick me up? The power of positive thinking is a very real thing, and taking some time to focus on the good things in your life can do amazing things for your motivation and your overall attitude and approach to things in life. So what are some of the best things in your life? Can you come up a top 10 list? This guy did, and I think it's a good idea for all of us. We all have different priorities in our lives and different "small things" that mean something to us but it's easy to lose sight of them in the midst of our hectic everyday lives.

I'm really gonna have to do some brainstorming to come up with a solid top 10 list for me personally, but I know one thing for sure: 'laughing babies' is going to be on there somewhere (they crack me up!).

Source

Happiness is one of the most sought-after, yet still so elusive things in our modern world. We spend our lives searching for it. We try to buy, try to steal it, promise that we'll have it at last -- if only we could fit into the skinny jeans, afford that fancy house or land that dream job. But maybe we should change the way we think about happiness.

Happiness is a decision, according to this blog post. It's not something that comes to you; it's a choice you make for yourself. That's not to say it comes naturally -- rather, it's a skill you learn, like riding a bike. And it's something you have to work on every day.

What do you think? Is happiness within our reach? Is it something we choose?

Source