Ways to wake up happier!

Did you know that our thoughts create our emotions? 

Since we have total control over our thoughts (even if it doesnt feel like it sometimes), you also have the power to start your day on a super positive note each and every day!

Here's a few ways..


**wake up list out 5 things you are grateful for

**get yourself to the kitchen and prepare a delicious (and nutritious) breakfast! Protein pancakes anyone? Oats? Eggs?

**create a routine that includes morning self-care --whatever that might be for you – reading, yoga, reading, a walk… whatever it is, make sure you make it a part of your routine and something that is non-negotiable.

**play with your pets - feel happier, and start the day off on that note. I mean, it’s nearly impossible to be angry or sad after playing with your furry friend right?!?

Goals!

It's a New Year people!

My "New Year, New You" Challenge group just kicked off this mornings and I am already so proud of those ladies! Today we are talking about goals , aspirations, dreams, resolutions or "what i want to be when i grow up".

There are a couple things that you MUST do when it comes to goals...

*believe you CAN: first things first...get rid of that negative tape running in your mind. yes, the one where you repeat statements like "i could never do that" or "that's never going to happen to me" or "wow, look at her. she's got everything right". let's start on the inside by realizing you are worthy of having dreams and achieving them. you CAN do anything you set your mind to, but the foundation needs to be set that you believe in yourself. believe you can and you will.

* find out why you aren't happy with where you are today: if you're thinking about a major career or life change, just for funzies, let's figure out why you aren't happy. for example, maybe you love what you do, but you simply don't like the company you work for? or maybe it's your depressing boss? if you had a change of company, maybe things would turn up and, in turn, so would your passion about that career choice. sometimes when you're unhappy it makes everything else seem gray and cloudy. but if you are able to see a clear picture into your life from 35,000 feet, you may see that it's just that company or boss that is making you miserable. So let's apply this to your fitness journey -- what about your current state makes you unhappy, what's your WHY!?

* write them down: did you know that your dreams and goals are more likely to happen if you have them written down? it's true! so what are you waiting for? write them down now!!!and then when you do write them down, take it a step further by breaking them down into bite-size pieces. start with small goals and you'll see how quickly you're moving in the direction of achievement.


My why? I don't want to go back to feeling closed off in my own skin or unhappy every time I step in my closet. When I started my fitness journey 16 weeks ago, I was in a tough spot. I was stressed, I was making poor health choices, and putting off taking care of myself. I cannot/will not go back to that. I host these monthly groups to help show others that they do not have to be that person - now, then or ever! Instead they can be the fun, optimistic person who is trying to find the best version of themselves with all the support, accountability and motivation they can get!


So here is to the new year & the new you!!

Stress = Weight Gain

A stressful event can slow down our metabolism—so much so that we could gain an extra 11 pounds over the course of a year... YUCK!!!

Do you count the holidays as a stressful time of the year?

Stressed women had a slower metabolism, higher levels of insulin, which contributes to fat storage, and higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol after a meal. (Coritsol is that hormone that causes the gross fat in our midsections!)

Ummm no thank you!! How are you going to decompress and limit your stressors this holiday season?

Here are a few of mine:

- my daily workouts (fight that fat!)

- drinking shakeology (the nutrients help curb those stressful eating binges & fuel my body to take on the day!)

- when i walk the dog i WILL NOT take my cell phone (UNPLUG sometimes!!)

- spend 20 minutes a day doing something for me (even if it's just calling a friend or my mom!)

Ink It

PEN & PAPER PEOPLE!! 

Okay, well you don't exactly need pen and paper, but seriously writing down your goals HELPS you to reach them!

When you write them down it helps you get clear on exactly what you want. It makes that clarity more imaginable and more real because you have thought through to put them in writing. 

Our brain sorts through the enormous amounts of info every day. To keep it all manageable we naturally break things down into smaller set (lists, bullets, keywords). By writing down your goals and making them clear, you can program your brain to keep these things in the forefront. Your mind then can direct your attention to certain events and occurrences. 

Example: You start looking into a certain kind of car ... then you start seeing them everywhere, you notice every one on the freeway, you see every ad or commercial. That's your brain keeping that set list queued up! Also, when you're more clear about what you want it will sneak into conversation and your overall attitude where others can pick up on it!! 

So what are you waiting for ... PEN & PAPER PEOPLE!!!