Many of us associate food with comfort, security, and celebration. Think of some good memories you've had around a dinner table. Who was there? And what was served? Bring to mind the feelings you have about the occasion. Sweet memories, yes. But when we tie all those good feelings to the food itself, it can be easy to turn to food and overdo it when times are tough and we want those good … [Read more...] about 25 Non-Food Rewards to Celebrate Your Healthier Habits
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How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs are subconscious thoughts that frame how we see ourselves, our world, and our possibilities. And they can affect our health and well-being. "I have bad genes." "My body is too _______." "I'm not athletic." "I don't like to work out." "Everyone in my family is _______." Any of those sound familiar? If we recognize our limiting beliefs and work to overcome them, we … [Read more...] about How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Setting SMART Goals for Success
Whether you're in the early stages of changing some habits to improve your health or trying to keep a new year's resolution on track, it's always a good time to ask yourself if you're setting SMART goals. Our best intentions to create new habits sometimes fall short of success simply because our plans lack thoroughness. They may be too vague or unrealistic. So what can help? SMART goals, … [Read more...] about Setting SMART Goals for Success
Resilience: What Is It, and How Can I Get More of It?
Resilience is defined as toughness, or "the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties." And in researcher language, it's "positive adaptation despite adversity." But is it something we're born with? Can we develop more of it? And can we use it up as we go through life? When Resilience Begins Science indicates that resilience is not uniform across people, places, or situations. So … [Read more...] about Resilience: What Is It, and How Can I Get More of It?
Decisions, Decisions: When Priorities Collide
Each day, we're faced with hundreds of small decisions to make. And often, our priorities collide. That can feel especially true during the busy holiday season. Do I start my shopping from the couch, or lace up my boots and go hiking with my family? What about that extra glass of wine I want to have with my friends, even though it's likely to throw off my sleep schedule? Should I eat the … [Read more...] about Decisions, Decisions: When Priorities Collide
Summer Sun and Bugs: Essential Oils to the Rescue
Summer brings plenty of opportunities for sunburns, bug bites, and other skin irritations. But essential oils can help when used pro-actively against bugs and in response to burns, stings, bites, or rashes. Below, I'll share some ideas for how to use these powerful compounds - and some recipes for "potions" that have worked for my family. I started learning about essential oils nearly four … [Read more...] about Summer Sun and Bugs: Essential Oils to the Rescue