"Research shows that happy people tend to eat healthier because they aren't eating for a quick fix to feel better, they are eating to feel better for the long term. Happy people eat healthier to keep their body feeling good. They eat in a way that's smart, nutritious, and gives them energy without a lot of fat and sugar."... Blissfully Single
Everything I talk about doing to keep feeling positive has multiple benefits. I'm keeping my stress level down which is extremely important because stress causes immune dysfunction and reduced functionality in every organ of the body. If I'm going to keep getting older, I want to live this life as a happy old lady with as much grace and humor as I can.
When I'm making choices about vacation plans or local activities, I think about doing what is most fun and least stressful. Making it just about how much things cost is only a part of my choices. That might mean hiring a driver when I know I'll be tired at the end of an eight hour cross continental flight, instead of saving money by lugging my stuff around onto a method of travel. I also don't go to every function that is on my group's schedule. I only chose what fits my lifestyle and where I'll be most happy. So I go to book club but not beer night, because I love books and I'm not much of a beer drinker. I like walking in the woods near my home, so I usually forgo the group walk to enjoy my neighborhood scenery. I'll meet the group for a local theater performance when it works into my schedule. I give myself permission to go alone if that works better for me. You might chose differently to fit your own priorities.
I give myself rewards, because that is the end result of goal seeking behavior. I allow myself to appreciate who I am.
And If I have a bad day and need to do something to feel good, but don't want it to be food, I have a lot of other things I can do. I even made a list, so I might:
Call a friend
Play a video game
Dance in the living room
Go for a walk
Sort through a drawer or a forgotten box
Write
Meditate
Sketch
Brush the cats
Feed the birds
Play keyboard music
Have a cup of hot tea
Read
Do logic puzzles
Yes, pasta and chocolate might provide a quick boost of serotonin, but it's not the only way to feel good.
These are some of my healthy choices.
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