Between the magic pills, special food, and wonder machines, there are 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. 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. 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 physical pounds, these things also can cause health related issues ranging from anger to depression. Emotional baggage typically manifests itself in the physical realm at some point. From comfort food, alcohol, or whatever other crutch, they 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, talk 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 each morning. For me, getting it 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 for processing. Another good exercise is communication with someone at your table or in your inner circle. Talking through things with someone that knows you well can always help. Additionally, there is meditation, quiet time, and counseling.
The next time you think about losing a few pounds at the gym, take a few minutes to determine if you have some emotional or mental weight to shed too.
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