Weekly Review - April 21, 2008

I only have two more weeks before I go back to my doctor and I think I will finally meet my goal. I am actually looking forward to the visit this time because I know I will do well. Especially, if I keep having weeks like this one in which my meals were great and I got my exercise completed (thank-you again to the person who helped motivate me!). Listed below are my total calories for each day. Sorry this post is so short, but I have to go out of town for several days and need to leave soon. I hope I can stay on course, but we will find out next week. Also, check out the tip for this week that I received at work. Have a great week!

Monday (453 calories)
Tuesday (570 calories)
Wednesday (831 calories)
Thursday (674 calories)
Friday (754 calories)
Saturday (540 calories)
Sunday (514 calories)

Calm Mind, Healthy Body
Experts now agree: Your mental and emotional health are directly connected to your physical well-being. People often forget that caring for their mental well-being is essential to overall good health.

Know the Signs
Chronic physical symptoms can result from worry, anxiety or depression. These signs may include back or neck ache, appetite changes, diarrhea or constipation, general aches and pains, headache, sleep problems, fatigue, dry mouth, chest pain, or heart palpitations. (Note: Pain or physical discomforts that come on suddenly or are severe warrant a call to your health care provider.)

Make the Connection
You may find it difficult to talk to people about your emotions. But talking about whatever might be bothering you, no matter how small or silly it seems, is a good first step toward feeling better. You might want to start with your health care provider, especially if physical symptoms have been affecting your daily life for several weeks. Other people you should to talk to include your family, close friends, a pastor or minister, a counselor or someone from your workplace employee assistance program.

Make Some Changes
Realize that improving your mental health can lead to feeling better physically. Instead of just taking pain medicine for your headache or putting a heating pad on your aching back, pay attention to how your thoughts and feelings might be at the root of your pain.

Try to focus on the positive. Keep a journal of everything that goes right each day. Find time to do things that make you happy.

Let yourself relax. Meditating, praying, visualizing a positive scene or simply breathing deeply for a few minutes can help calm your mind. The key is to practice these techniques every day.

Finally, practice good health habits. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and adequate sleep are important to help both your mind and body stay in tip-top shape.

~Think Positive and Stay Healthy~