11 things you can STOP doing to be a healthier you

Today I am tired of the "do this", "do that" noise we are both bombarded with everyday from the world and we create within our own head. We so often think we have to do more to become more.  Sometimes it's simpler than that.  Sometimes NOT doing something is what we need to be healthier and happier. Here are a few thoughts:

1. Stop thinking you can't.  
Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right. The power of thought is real.  Your thinking determines how you feel, your feelings will turn into action and your actions give you your results. Believe that you can do anything you truly want to do and you might surprise yourself with how changing your mind can change your life.

2.  Stop competing. 
I'm not talking about events where maybe you're trying to beat a time, or you're playing team sports or you're on the British Baking show trying to win.  I'm talking about trying to be better than, impress or "one-up" your neighbor, your sister-in-law, your friends, whoever!  Let's all just do our own personal best and not care what anyone else thinks. What other people think of you- good or bad is none of your business!  I've known people who will allow not being as good at something prevent them from even trying. Case in point: Yoga.  I can't tell you how many friends of mine have wanted to "get into yoga" but don't let themselves because they believe they aren't good enough to even try or are worried about how they will look to other people.

3. Stop social pressure eating.
Social eating used to really get me.  I didn't want to "hurt feelings" because I wasn't eating a dessert and everyone else was, and I would eat almost everything offered to me just so I didn't have to say no. But I have changed, and it is liberating.  Now I can say, "No thank you",  without worrying I'm being rude.  If people want to think it's rude then that is up to them, but I want to make choices that are best for me.  Believe me when I say I still eat in social settings, but it is never because of some social pressure.  If I eat in a social setting it is because I want to.  So stop eating out of obligation.  You're a big kid now and it's time you learned how to say, "No".

4. Stop buying food you don't want to eat.
Here's the hard truth: If you buy it, you will eventually eat it. So stop buying food you know isn't good for you and your family and stop pretending you won't eat it because chances are you will or you already did!

5. Stop making excuses.
We all have the same 24 hours in a day and we all get busy.  Stop thinking you don't have time for what's really important and stop blaming other people for your "lack of time".  Saying you don't have time is a lie because you have the same 24 hours like everyone else. If you feel time is your enemy eliminate some of the junk from your life.

6. Stop going to bed late.
Being chronically tired can affect every aspect of your life.  I know from plenty of experience in the lack of sleep department that when I sleep well I am well.

7. Stop stressing out.
Unnecessary stress will leach into your being and turn you into a cranky, tight and uptight person even raising your blood pressure and affecting your heart health.  Realize you can't change the past but you can change how you think about the past. You also can't change the future and worrying about it won't serve you. You also can't change other people.  Let. It. Go. and you will be so much happier.

8. Stop trying every fad diet.
We all know that the best diet is balanced, nutritious, moderate and sustainable featuring food from Mother Earth. Why do we keep listening to the hype surrounding the latest fad?  

9. Stop taking seconds at every meal.
I love to eat and I know how hard it can be to stop when your stomach is satisfied but your mouth wants more food.    Usually for me the second helping doesn't taste as good as the first and I almost never need the extra calories I'm getting from my second plate. Try giving yourself a 20 minute break from food after your first serving. After the break check in with your body.  Then decide if you still need a second helping.

10. Stop eating so fast.
I'm always the last person eating at a meal- this is one thing I've got down. I do love to eat slow.  It helps me enjoy my food and lets my brain catch up to my stomach or my stomach catch up to my brain, whatever it is.  Have you ever eaten in a such a rush that you barely tasted your food? Yuck!  I hate that!  Slow down and enjoy!
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11. Stop overriding important body cues.
 Have you learned to hear your body?  Can you tell when it's truly hungry or tired or needs a stretch or needs a drink of water or needs a walk? Your body is wise but we can be so unwise in it.  Learning to listen and honor what your body is telling you is one of the most life-affirming skills you may ever develop.
Try this:  Next time you are hungry be curious about where your hunger is coming from.  Is it true stomach hunger? Is it cellular hunger? Or is your body simply tired or thirsty?  Does your brain think hunger because you saw, smelled or tasted something yummy? Do you think you're hungry because it's simply "meal time"? Or is it human connection that you crave? 

Do you have any experience with any of these points?  I'd love to hear about it. And try to be kind to yourself as you navigate what is best for you and your body. 
xo
​Dawn