Health Affixed

Health Is Limitless

F.E.A.R

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The best acronym for self-generated FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. The mind tends to persuade the subconscious that the false evidence is real. Generally, the outcome is inaction. Due to fear, no risk is taken, no plans are laid, and no achievement is gained.

The trick is to act in spite of the false evidence being real. The trick is to acknowledge that the FEAR exists and still take the risk, lay a plan, and seek to achieve. When you acknowledge that what you fear is a possibility and you are brave enough to face that possibility, you become much more fearless, and your sense of fearlessness tends to lay the path to success.

Let your self-generated FEAR be the motivation that moves you forward not the anchor that keeps you still.

Developing Healthy Habits 101

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The time to start is now, but how long until the healthy habit sticks. They say it takes 21 days to form or break a habit, but I don’t believe it. A healthy habit that fits your lifestyle takes time to develop and 21 days is not enough time.

Remember, it’s only through trial and error that we can truly figure out what works for us. In fact, forcing yourself to do something consistently will seem forced and anything that feels forced tends to feel more punitive than rewarding. So, forget the 21-day rule.

First, figure out what healthy habit you would like to start or what unhealthy habit you would like to reduce.

Second, think long term, not 21 days. You want to develop this habit over your lifetime – not in 21 days. After all, there is no deadline.

Third, keep it simple and hassle free.

Fourth, keep is positive. Always think of what you can add to your life to develop the healthy habit or reduce a bad habit; do not tell yourself that you have to subtract or give up something.

Examples

1. You want more sleep. Q: how are you sabotaging your sleep time? Example A: you stay up too late to watch your favorite shows.

Solution: consider adding a DVR service.

2. You eat out too often. Q: why are you eating out so much? Example A: you work crazy hours.

Solution: consider adding a meal prep/plan service to your busy lifestyle.

3. You want to exercise more frequently. Q: what is keeping you from exercising? Example A: I work crazy hours; I don’t know how to exercise; I don’t have time/money for a gym; I am lazy.

Solution: consider working out in the AM before your work day starts; consider hiring an online coach or following exercise professionals on social media; YouTube has a ton of quick workouts ranging from beginner friendly to advance and you can play the videos on your television; join a challenge with a friend or co-worker to help motivate you.

4. You want to reduce the number of cigarettes that you smoke per day. Q: what are some of your triggers? Example A: stress at work; nicotine craving; hand to mouth motion

Solution: consider joining a counseling group; try using nicotine patches; keep gum to chew

5. You want to reduce the amount of coffee you drink daily. Q: how many cups of coffee do you drink throughout the day? Example A: Two to Five

Solution: after each cup, drink one 12 oz bottle of water before heading for a coffee refill.

Spring Break and Vacation Season

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Ah, the joys of getting away. If you are like most, you increase your workout level prior to going on vacation and severely decrease it while on vacation. While the food intake tends to decrease prior to going on vacation and severely increase while on vacation. Well, it doesn’t take a mathematician to know the outcome; the weight on the scale will be higher after vacation.

The must do: pack workout clothes and shoes. The goal is to try to counter the increased food intake with at least light to moderate consistent exercising while on vacation. To accomplish the goal, keep the exercising routines simple and quick – body weight exercises work well. Also, if you know the location will have a gym, plan to hit the gym for 20 minutes during off peak hours. Get in and get out. After all, you are on vacation.

Another option is to simply partake in vacation type activities like canoeing, beach volleyball, swimming, walking, etc. If you are the sunbathing on vacation type, then perhaps consider downloading a beach yoga routine on your phone.

Staying activity on vacation will help to balance your mood once the vacation is over.