Adjust Your Attitude

Our mind is a part of our body. Obvious, I know. But really dwell on the fact that our thoughts have an impact on our health. Adjusting your attitude is essential to making progress on your wellness journey. Attitude is really just the "outward expression of inward feelings (source)". A positive attitude is good for your body and what's good for your body also benefits the mind.

So, how can we improve our attitude to benefit our health?

1. Stay positive and control your thoughts. Aim for an optimistic outlook on life. You can't control your life, but you can control your reactions. Try not to dwell on your problems, but get help when you need it. Don't sweat the small stuff. Concentrate on important things, getting support when you need it. Journaling can help, get details here. 
2. Practice gratitude. Being thankful helps you focus on the positive things.
3. Control stress. Learn how to relax. Practice deep breathing. Take time to meditate and pray. Listen to music. Get a massage or even just a hug.
4. Serve someone else. Making someone else happy actually makes you happy. Help the less fortunate. Get some ideas here.
5. Move! Exercise releases the happy hormones serotonin and endorphins which helps improve mental state. 
6. Feed the happy hormones by eating nutritious foods, especially complex carbohydrates in combination with a healthy fat and protein. Avoid simple sugars in sodas and sweet snacks which lean to a surge followed by a crash in those hormones.
7. Laugh. Laughter reduces cortisol (the body's stress response) and increases immune function. It also increases heart rate and circulation similar to an aerobic workout. Make a list of things that make you (or your family) laugh and use the list often.

Read more about attitude in these posts.

Pick one item from above and work on it this week. Let me know what you picked in the comments below.

Don't forget that Health Happens at Home,

Erin Marie