Wednesday, August 15, 2012

A Few to Lose


 

Between the magic pills, special food, and wonder machines, we all encounter daily infomercials about losing weight and getting in shape.  Being overweight does indeed pose some health risks: heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes, and joint issues. 
I would guess we all could stand to lose a few pounds here and there. 

There is another area of health and well-being where everyone could stand to shed a little excess weight.  I’m talking losing some emotional and mental weight.  Face it; we all have some type of baggage we carry around: insecurity on some level, emotional scars from the past, low self esteem, etc.  Just like extra pounds in the physical sense, these things also can cause health related issues ranging from depression to anger issues.  Emotional baggage typically manifests itself in the physical realm at some point.  From comfort food to alcohol or whatever other crutch, they are have an impact on us.

There are things we can do to lose emotional/mental weight too.  One of the best exercises is communication.  Rather than sitting on the baggage, to talk it and work through it with someone.  One of my favorite exercises is journaling.  I write about what goes on in my life and what I am experiencing.  For me, getting it out on paper, helps me work with what is on the inside.  Writing allows my eyes and brain to see what is in my heart and ties the logic and emotion together to processing.  Another good exercise is communication with someone in your inner circle.  Talking through things with someone that knows you well can always help.  There is also meditation, quiet time, and counseling. 

The next time you think about losing a few pounds at the gym, take a few minutes to assess what’s inside and see if there are a few to lose in there too.

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