Guess What? We All Make Mistakes – Don’t Let it Defeat You!

by Dennis on December 24, 2009

Dr. Dennis Sandler

Dr. Dennis Sandler

Have you enjoyed a few forkfuls of a coworker’s cake or picked at your friend’s fries? That’s OK.

You’re going to make wrong turns. You’re going to be tempted by not-so-good-for-YOU foods. Does that mean you should steer off the dietary cliff and fall into the fatty crevasse of destructive eating? Of course not. Instead of falling into a defeatist mentality by drop-kicking healthy eating the moment you make one bad choice, confront it. How?

Repeat the YOU Diet Mantra:

“At the next available moment, make an authorized YOU-turn.”

Say it three times, put down the tub of cookie dough, and get back on the right road.

Regain Control

What kills any regimen of healthy eating isn’t the occasional brownie or slice of pizza; it’s the cascade of behavior that happens after the initial indulgence. Use the YOU Diet Mantra to steer yourself back — and understand that you can make mistakes, but that you can correct them with some nonjudgmental coaxing. Why does it work?

• It gives you a mental crutch to carry when you’re faced with difficult eating situations.

It reminds you to be confident, to be positive, to know that the harm isn’t in the first mistake, it’s in not figuring out how to deal with it.

Here are five simple ways to protect your emotional well-being:

1. Value Your Daily Diversions

When you’re adding items to your to-do list, don’t forget the good stuff. If you look forward to reading in bed, going out to breakfast, taking long walks, listening to music, or just sitting quietly outside, make time for at least one of your favorite diversions every day.
Consider crossing out pesky items on your list that you keep saying you’re going to do but haven’t gotten to in over a year, like alphabetizing your bills or organizing your sock drawer. Or get rid of a time-consuming chore that isn’t enhancing your life one bit.

2. Build Your Strength and Independence

We all have low-energy days, but if you can resist the urge to skip your daily workout when you’re feeling low, you’ll be rewarded both now and later. Try this trick: Tell yourself that you need to do only 10 minutes of exercise. Once you’re up and moving (and feeling better) you’ll most likely want to finish your workout. Even if you can’t push past the 10-minute mark on the occasional bad day, you’ll feel good about doing at least a little something. Sticking with an exercise plan helps you feel good about yourself, strengthens your immune system, and enhances production of mood-boosting hormones.

3. Squash Your Stressors

Defuse daily hassles by practicing stress-reduction strategies. Try taking deep-breathing breaks throughout the day, inhaling through your nose and then exhaling slowly through your mouth. Repeating this action three or four times allows more oxygen to get into your bloodstream, creating a feeling of calm. Progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and meditation also are effective ways of reducing tension, stress, depression, and anxiety. And a brisk 10-minute walk will do far more to dissipate your stress and lift your spirits than eating the bad-for-you snacks you might crave when feeling frantic.

4. Celebrate and Share Your Skills

Volunteer at a local school, club, or community organization. Not only will sharing your unique talents and expertise benefit others, but research shows that volunteering can make you happier and improve your well-being, too. Feeling engaged and involved in your local community is good for your emotional health. It’s also an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. Win-win.

5. Appreciate the People Around You

Unwind and share a few laughs with your family or friends at least once or twice each month. The openness and trust you share with the important people in your life can help give you the perspective you need to cope with everyday challenges. These regular connections will also have a positive impact on your health, especially when you share a good laugh. Laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and releases endorphins that can ease pain.

Also, don’t neglect relationships at work. Colleagues and coworkers can provide valuable support and keep your blood pressure under control during stressful situations. .

Feeling satisfied and fulfilled with your life is an essential part of your emotional and physical well-being. As you grow to appreciate your time, independence, self-assurance, skills, and relationships, you will be amazed at just how good you feel, both in body and in spirit.

BioLean II

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

alexmacjr July 29, 2010 at 5:26 am

Hey! thanks for the article, loved it very much.
Keep up the good work!

NaWeicy August 5, 2010 at 10:49 pm

Completely agree!

veriataro August 25, 2010 at 4:48 pm

Thank you for your post and your site. I will definitely subscribe to it now.

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