Denise's Daily Dozen (63 page)

A BEAUTIFUL VIEW

When you look at beautiful vistas, it causes your brain to release chemicals that can enhance your mood and immune system. Environments can have a positive effect and make you feel better.

A Dozen Tips from Denise: How to See the Glass—and Your Life—as Half Full

P
eople always comment on my sunny outlook on life. It’s something I
choose,
and you can, too. Every single day, I make a decision to embrace what’s good about life because I believe that a positive attitude and optimistic outlook can awaken you to so many new possibilities—opportunities that self-doubt and negativity completely miss. The truth is that there are many things in life that we can’t control, but your attitude is all up to you. Attitude is everything! Here are twelve tips for looking on the bright side.

1.
Take a minute to sit down and make a list of things you like about yourself—for instance, your great smile, your toned arms, and the fact that you’re a wonderful friend. Read it every day and add to it regularly.

2.
Your mind can only hold one thought at a time. Make it a positive and constructive one. When pessimistic thoughts pop up, imagine a red STOP sign and immediately replace them with thoughts that are more upbeat and productive.

3.
When you get out of bed in the morning, tell yourself, “I am worth it!” You really are! Also, write these words on small pieces of paper and keep them where you’ll see them often, like above your computer, in your wallet, and on your dresser.

4.
Treat yourself to something you really enjoy. A little bit of luxury that reminds you of how special you are. You deserve the best things in life! This doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money or time, but you’ll be amazed how even a small treat like a new lipstick, lotion, a good book, or a talk with a friend can make you feel.

5.
A person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. But don’t wait for someone else to do it. Instead, appreciate yourself. Appreciate your hard work, strong muscles, and determination to get in shape and lose weight. Respect yourself for improving your body.

6.
Instead of thinking of your body as the enemy, think of it as your best friend. You wouldn’t constantly criticize or put down your best friend, so don’t do the same thing to yourself.

7.
Count your blessings; you have many things to be grateful for. It’s worth it because research shows that people who experience gratitude do better with tasks that require self-control (like healthy eating and exercise).

8.
Replace negative words like
woulda, coulda,
and
shoulda
with positive ones like
I can
and
I will.
Also, challenge your pessimistic thoughts by visualizing yourself doing the unthinkable. It takes baby steps to reach a goal, but you
can
do it and you
will.

9.
Don’t dwell on pain and anger from the past. Research shows that people who do so have higher blood pressure, heart rates, and muscle tension. And if your mind is unable to forgive, you hold on to negative energy and your body can become physically stressed. Sure, it can be hard to forgive someone who has really hurt you, but forgiveness improves your health and your life. And
that’s
what matters.

10.
Try to see the positive or humorous side of everything that happens. You’ll be amazed at how that tiny shift in perspective can have an enormous impact on your life.

11.
Laugh out loud and do so often. Not only does research show that laughter is good for your immune system and your heart, but it tightens your tummy as well.

12.
Assist others who are less fortunate than you are. This helps you appreciate what you have and can change your outlook on life. Walk dogs at a local shelter, volunteer to restore old homes, tutor underprivileged children, or help out at a soup kitchen. The list of ways you can reach out to others is endless; the satisfaction you’ll get? Well, that’s priceless.

TWELVE REASONS TO BREAK A SWEAT

By now you know that exercise can help you slim down—and hopefully you’re seeing this for yourself. But you get so much more from working out than a slimmer waist or smaller size. New studies come out all the time touting all the benefits of breaking a sweat. Use them as motivation to keep up your workout sessions. Because if you do, you’ll reap amazing rewards. Read on to find out what they are.

1.
Working out helps you reawaken thousands of muscle cells so you’ll have more energy and vitality.

2.
Exercise can lift your spirits because it releases brain chemicals called endorphins. These naturally enhance your mood, which is why you always feel better after a workout than you did when you started.

3.
Breaking a sweat is an ideal way to relieve tension and de-stress.

4.
Food tastes better, and you’ll know that you’ve earned it.

5.
Exercise helps you build more muscle, which boosts your metabolism.

6.
Exercise will help your clothes fit better.

7.
Moving around helps clear your head and may make you feel more creative. I know that I get some of my best ideas while working out.

8.
Working out enhances circulation, giving your complexion a youthful, rosy glow.

9.
Exercise helps reduce your risk of an array of diseases from diabetes to cancer to heart disease. There’s no better preventive medicine than good old-fashioned exercise.

10.
You’ll sweat your way to a younger-looking body.

11.
Your posture will improve so you’ll stand taller.

12.
Working out improves your health, so you’ll live longer to enjoy life with your family and your friends. How’s that for motivation?

Cassandra King,

24, marketing associate, Massillon, Ohio

POUNDS LOST: 80

W
hen I was three, I had a tumor removed from my thoracic cavity, which resulted in diminished lung capacity. As a child and adolescent, I used this medical condition as an excuse to get out of running laps, racing other kids, enrolling in sports, or doing any other vigorous exercise. This combined with the fact that my overweight family indulged more in comfort food than healthy food meant that I gained weight. My mother died when I was only twenty and I fell into a severe depression, indulging in comfort foods to avoid my true feelings, friends, and family. I knew the pounds were stacking up, but I tried to ignore it. I also started having agonizing knee pain due to deteriorating cartilage. An orthopedic surgeon said that if I lost weight, every pound lost would alleviate seven pounds of pressure from my knees and I might be able to avoid surgery and arthritis. On top of the severe depression, weight gain, and knee problems, I discovered a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure.