March 28, 2011

The Power of Positivity: A Little Goes A Long Way

We all know that exercise and a healthy diet are the cornerstones of feeling great and looking good.  However, for many of our bene-fit clients, there is a third component of total wellness that is often the most elusive: positive thinking.

Too many women (and yes, some men) are down on their bodies, stressed out about their personal commitments, and intimidated by the weight (no pun intended) of their own goals.  Too many men (and yes, some women) are overworked, plagued by multiple demands from work, family and friends, and tend to shut down and internalize rather than seek help from others.  Sound familiar?

It is often to easy to focus on the day-to-day downfalls ("I ate a donut this morning at work, ugh") rather than see the moment in the context of long-term goals ("I ate a donut this morning, but I hit the gym after work and will prepare a healthy snack for tomorrow.").  Practicing forgiveness and finding proactive solutions are often the simplest ways to combat a glitch in your fitness journey; however, they're also the most overlooked.

For some folks, reading an inspiring self-help book can kick-start your positive mood - try The Power of Now or The Amazing Results of Powerful Thinking to start.  Not ready to commit to an entire book?  Check out accountability websites like HabitChanger, HabitForge, and Life Balance to help you get - and stay - on track with your wellness goals.

As we all know, though, not everything can be fixed with a few written words or a tech-savvy iPhone app.  Rather, the most important component of positive thinking is surrounding yourself with positive people - again, simple but profound.  bene-fit was built on the philosophy that social support matters, and whether your form of self-help is attending a butt-kicking Boot Camp or checking out a group exercise class at your local gym, just being around same-minded folks can really boost your mood and keep you focused.

Winston Churchill once said, "a pessimist finds difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty."  This week, bene-fit asks you to see the glass as half full, be proactive, and seek support as you take another step toward your fitness goals.