Going back to work this week was certainly a challenge after a long and enjoyable break!
On the bright side, it made getting into the routine of exercising much easier! Seeing the “bright side” or being optimistic about life has a remarkable impact on physical health.
The University of Rochester reviewed 80 studies in optimism looking for common findings and found, optimist over pessimists had better:
- overall longevity,
- survival from a disease,
- heart health,
- immunity,
- cancer outcomes,
- pregnancy outcomes,
- pain tolerance,
Optimists were also more likely to engage in exercise and healthy eating, but were found to be more unrealistic in comparison to pessimists.
Being realistic can conjure negative emotions of past resolution failures. The truth is; if we rely solely on optimism without a realistic action plan, our resolution will not be resolved.
According to a USA.gov survey the three top 2016 New Year resolutions were:
- Lose weight – 22.92%
- Get fit – 18.97%
- Eat healthy food – 12.25%
They also reported; only 8% of all resolutions made will be successful………
Given this information, it would be optimistic to think yourself as part of the 8% and pessimistic giving into the 92% chance of resolution failure.
Being realistic is taking this information reviewing your resolution and putting in place practical steps to achieve it.
Breaking down the top 3 resolutions in reverse order.
Resolution 3: Eat healthy food: Start by adding one extra vegetable to your dinner. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend five serves of vegetables every day.
Resolution 2: Get Fit: Easy to achieve with our 9 minutes a day Shape-Up workout – I am sure you are feeling those push-ups from this week challenge!
Resolution 1: Lose weight: This resolution is the most complicated and illusive, without the understanding of the underlying motivation for weight loss.
Often the desire for weight loss comes from a perspective of body image that is driven by mass media’s incorrect perception of what people should look like.
The classic before and after shots are inspiring, however, the stories behind the images are brutal – hard work, sweat, tears, more tears and perhaps even more tears.
It is not easy, if it were; the billion-dollar weight loss industry exploiting people’s deepest venerability would not exist.
The reality is, if you are healthy it does not matter if you have a bit of a jelly belly. Making sure, you are active and eating well, will go a long way to achieving good health.
Being active does not necessarily mean traditional forms of exercise. Forcing yourself to do something you don’t enjoy (even this challenge) will never last.
Your challenge is to find an activity or a group of activities you enjoy doing and do them regularly. Couple them with a healthy diet you will be well on your way to achieving your weight loss resolution.
The shape-up challenge may or may not be the option for you, and that is ok.
This week, part of your personal challenge is to be realistic and reassess your resolution in the context of your reality and plan towards achieving it.
Lets challenge ourselves to use what we have to achieve what we need!
Eat well and Live Well
Anna
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