#stylehealthenergy

[shestrengthens]

Feeling EMPTY?

It is undeniable that women are constantly bombarded with unrealistic images that supposedly personify health and happiness.  So many women try so hard for this unattainable goal that will, in the long run, leave them feeling empty.  We try the latest 100-calorie snack packs, or worse, skip eating when our body needs fuel.  On the flip side, we may decide to give it up all together, and give in to all the unhealthy and convenient food temptations that are thrown our way; these foods don’t give us energy, will make you enemies with your scale, and let’s be honest, they are not found on the food pyramid.  

It’s time to feel WHOLE again by eating whole foods.  Whole food is food that comes from the ground and not made in a laboratory.   To get started, visit local farmers markets, research recipes using real food, and spend some time in the kitchen.  You may discover a new hobby.  Your body can do amazing things when given the right fuel.  Taking these steps toward a whole foods diet will not only make you healthy, but it will also gift you with a new glow.  

One small change + giving up one bad habit = 2x the confidence

Guest Blogger: Anna Whitlow

[shestrengthens]

Feeling EMPTY?

It is undeniable that women are constantly bombarded with unrealistic images that supposedly personify health and happiness.  So many women try so hard for this unattainable goal that will, in the long run, leave them feeling empty.  We try the latest 100-calorie snack packs, or worse, skip eating when our body needs fuel.  On the flip side, we may decide to give it up all together, and give in to all the unhealthy and convenient food temptations that are thrown our way; these foods don’t give us energy, will make you enemies with your scale, and let’s be honest, they are not found on the food pyramid.  

It’s time to feel WHOLE again by eating whole foods.  Whole food is food that comes from the ground and not made in a laboratory.   To get started, visit local farmers markets, research recipes using real food, and spend some time in the kitchen.  You may discover a new hobby.  Your body can do amazing things when given the right fuel.  Taking these steps toward a whole foods diet will not only make you healthy, but it will also gift you with a new glow.  

One small change + giving up one bad habit = 2x the confidence

[shestrengthens]

The Big Picture

Whether you are thinking about change, health or circumstances, thinking BIG enables you to change your perspective which ultimately changes the energy you exert into any given situation.  According to an article on npr.org, To Weather Criticism, It Helps To Think Of The Big Picture, "when people are thinking big, they have an easier time realizing a single critique doesn't define them, says Jennifer Belding, the doctoral student in social psychology who led a behavioral study at Ohio State University. "It helps them step back, and realize that the person giving them that feedback is just trying to help," she explains.  "But when people are thinking about the nitty-gritty details and they have a narrow mindset, it's easy for them to get caught up in the moment," Belding says. "Instead of focusing on how the feedback can help them in the long run, they think about how much that information is hurting them."  In addition, the study also revealed that those who not only thought broadly about their health but also believed that, in this case, cancer was preventable were the most motivated to learn and study how to change behavior, heal and move forward.

So for today, think BIG about who you are and who you want to become.  Stop fear and criticism in it's tracks with broad thoughts about bigger ideas and it's likely the little ones will lose their power.

[shestrengthens]

In The Words of Aristotle...

"The energy of the mind is the essence of life." - Aristotle

Find you own unique energy and let it flow. Share it. Become it. Believe in it.

[shestrengthens]

'Cause I'm Happy

Life Hack for Happiness

"Everyone deserves to be happy", my friend told me the other day. While I agreed with her, I thought more about what she said. We do deserve to be happy, but happiness is a DIY project. I think sometimes we chase happiness through stuff and things outside of ourselves. But I've realized that happiness grows from the inside out. You can't buy it, spend it, but we can create it everyday. Happiness in our lives is a moment by moment choice, no matter what we are faced with in our daily lives. Yes, sometimes that is hard to do. But the strength to make that choice comes from who you are inside. You can gracefully choose happiness daily.

Sandy Peerless, S.H.E. Contributor

www.lifelessonslovelessons.com

[shestrengthens]

'Cause I'm Happy

Life Hack for Happiness

"Everyone deserves to be happy", my friend told me the other day. While I agreed with her, I thought more about what she said. We do deserve to be happy, but happiness is a DIY project. I think sometimes we chase happiness through stuff and things outside of ourselves. But I've realized that happiness grows from the inside out. You can't buy it, spend it, but we can create it everyday. Happiness in our lives is a moment by moment choice, no matter what we are faced with in our daily lives. Yes, sometimes that is hard to do. But the strength to make that choice comes from who you are inside. You can gracefully choose happiness daily.

Sandy Peerless, S.H.E. Contributor

www.lifelessonslovelessons.com

[shestrengthens]

S.H.E. Listens to Her Heart

S.H.E. listens to her heart ....because there is great wisdom and focused clarity for her there. S.H.E. listens to her heart.....because her answers and peace are waiting for her there. S.H.E. listens to her heart.....because an awareness of her purpose and passion evolves from there. S.H.E. listens to her heart.....because her happiness and joy is always there. What is your heart telling you?

[shestrengthens]

5 Unexpected Ways To Break A Bad Habit

So, a few weeks into 2015...how's it going?  Many of us set out to make changes, break patterns and habits bringing us down.  The reality is that we are constantly tested in these changes and tempted to fall back into the way things were.

Become hyper-aware of your habit. Track and get to know the habit you want to break. 

Stop focusing on what you're not going to do. 'I'm going to eat less ... stop smoking ...frame your goals instead in terms of what you are going to do.

Oppose Permission Giving. Instead spend time looking at alternatives to what you know you are trying to move away from.

Think Doom and Gloom. (not a typo) Be prepared for the worst that can happen in the process of change.

Focus a big chunk of your efforts on your environment. Basically, eliminate temptation.  If you are trying to eat more veggies, make sure that is what is in the fridge!

For more information on changing habits for the better, visit Huffington Post LIVE

Article based on  The Habit Change Workbook: How To Break Bad Habits and Form Good Ones, Co Authored by James Claiborn.

Article by Catherine Pearson