I got to thinking about "being happy" today. I started considering the correlation between the happier I am and the more grateful my heart is that the better my likely hood of reaching my long term goal of taking my body back would be. You know, instead of looking at how did I get so out of shape, looking at how glad I am that I am doing something about it now. See the difference? And, instead of looking at how far I have to go, looking at any and all small progresses and being happy and grateful for those. =)
Anyway, I just thought I'd share with you guys my thoughts and jot them down for myself as well. I read a great article today that really confirms this philosophy. Here it is if you want to take a read:
Today's lesson: be happy, live longer. Now science seems to back the glass half-full approach.
A review of more than 160 studies on the connection between a positive state of mind and overall health and longevity has found "clear and compelling evidence" that happier people enjoy better health and longer lives.
In fact, evidence linking an upbeat outlook and enjoyment of life to better health and longer life was stronger even than that linking obesity to reduced longevity, according to the review published on Tuesday in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being.
"I was almost shocked, and certainly surprised, to see the consistency of the data," said Ed Diener, the University of Illinois psychology professor emeritus, who led the review.
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While Diener said a few studies he reviewed found the opposite, the "overwhelming majority ... support the conclusion that happiness is associated with health and longevity."
The review looked at eight different types of long-term studies and experimental trials of both human and animal populations.
For example, 5,000 university students studied for more than 40 years provided evidence that the most pessimistic students tended to die younger.
In the laboratory, positive moods were found to reduce stress-related hormones, increase immune function and help the heart recover following exertion.
Animals who lived in stressful conditions such as crowded cages had weaker immune systems and a higher susceptibility to heart disease, and died at a younger age than those in less crowded conditions.
Diener noted that while current health edicts focus on obesity, smoking, eating habits and exercise, "it may be time to add 'be happy and avoid chronic anger and depression' to the list."
Reuters
I hope all of you are staying motivated and inspired to be the best you that you can be and are continuing towards making small, permanent lifestyle changes that can ultimately and in the long run help you take your bodies back. And now, with it being only 3 months until summer, let's try not to focus on how far we are from our long term goal, but that we have 3 months to be that much closer to our goal. And, if this summer we aren't at our ideal weight yet, at least we are heading in the right direction!
I want to leave you with a wonderful and inspirational song, and encourage each and everyone one of you to not give up on yourselves and to focus on the positive. Don't worry about where you aren't, but BE HAPPY about where you are going!
Until next time ~ mucho love and happiness!
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I wish you'd update more on your progress I love reading your reports, how much have you lost now?
ReplyDeleteWell, thanks for the input Miss Anonymous! ;-) I seem to be right about on target (truly by the grace of God!) as I was at about 8 pounds down last time I weighed (a couple of weeks ago). I am not weighing every week, after getting so psyched out by the one pound weight gain in week 3. But, I can sure tell in my clothes and I am trying to only weigh once a month.
ReplyDeleteFeeling great about the new changes that are sticking and the forward progress to a long term goal of a total lifestyle and mindset change. I am continually evaluating the "blog" thing. I had some health challenges and then some family drama that tried to knock me off my motivational horse. ;-) Through all of that, I maintained a really small but "big for me" change in my lifestyle. Drinking lots of water every day. That was something I could never seem to do before. That truly has been the one change so far that I have consistently implemented. And, It really is making a difference.
A couple of days ago, my precious daughter told me that she wished I would keep blogging. She said that she was encouraged by my posts and that they really helped her. That was all it took to make me think it was worthwhile to keep posting. I really like writing and sharing, but can sometimes think thoughts like, nobody is reading this, why bother. My daughter reminded me to do it for myself, which is why I started blogging to begin with.
Blogging and putting yourself out there for others to read adds a certain "vulnerability" that I didn't think through enough. But, I will keep trying to make it fun and inspiring for me and hopefully for other readers. if just my kiddo is blessed then that's a victory, right!
As you can see, your comment was great timing and allowed me to share a little more of my "skinny little heart" that's inside that i might not have done otherwise. =) Funny how we can all touch each other's life and not even realize it, isn't it?
Ta ta for now Miss Anonymous. Maybe someday I will know who you are. But, in the meantime, thank you VERY MUCH for taking the time to comment!
Much love! ;-) <3
I love your posts so much! I just heard again one of our favorite songs about not worrying about stuff, and thought I wanted to send it to you to make you smile! Gonna do that right now!
ReplyDelete