Jumpstart your heart

A lot of times when we as a society think about our health we link food as part of being healthy. While the food we consume is important, so is what we release and interject outside of our bodies. For instance, you could be on the greatest diet, or have an awesome workout routine, but if you aren't taking care of the outer exterior it's almost as if something is missing. What about the clothes that you wear, the company you keep or the bad habits that keep on resurfacing? I find that there are things we can do for ourselves to project a healthier you. Here are a few starting points...

Dress it up

Correct me if I am wrong but dressing up or at least taking better care in your appearance can make you feel more cheerful. On the days when you'd rather wear sweats or a less than colorful outfit, try adding more colors into your wardrobe, get your hair looking halfway decent and you're good. For me, colors like red, yellow, emerald green etc. make me feel better. If black or grays or darker tones are more your style that's fine, but add accessories to heighten your look. Dress yourself up and take on a better attitude.

Recipe for change

This week I created my very own homemade pizza, it was my first time doing that. I had this idea to make a dish that isn't already prepared, such as fast food or a restaurant. With my flattened pizza dough, I added my favorite pizza topping; sausage, plus shredded cheese and tomato sauce and baked my pizza. As the dough raised so did my momentum. The cheese began to melt and I kept a close watch on the oven, not wanting the pizza to burn. In minutes it was ready, it tasted great and I was proud. I am looking forward to making banana bread next!

Giving thanks

Now some may be thinking, "I always give thanks...." or "I am grateful for what I have." But you have to ask yourself, are you only thankful when something good happens? A good friend of mine shared with me about saying aloud the things you are grateful for, no matter how small. You could give yourself a cutoff such as "10 things I am grateful for" and see where this takes you. I have been trying this and to my own surprise I have gone beyond 10. You don't have to be thankful for obvious things like, running water in your home or food on the table for yourself or family, while those are great, think on a smaller scale. This morning I said aloud, "I am grateful for being honest with myself." Try this positive mantra before you get your day going, or while in route to work or just going about your day. It can be a huge stress reliever and even remind you that being thankful doesn't mean just saying it but believing it.

From my heart to yours,

*LISH