Gratitude

(From the Brat Factor)

Most people do not realize the many health benefits of gratitude. Studies indicate that thankfulness is directly linked to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Compared to people who do not live a lifestyle of thankfulness, research shows that grateful people:

1. Experience higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination optimism and energy

2. Experience less depression

3. Better manage stress

4. Are more likely to help others

5. Exercise more regularly

6. Make more progress towards their personal goals

7. Have stronger immune systems

8. Have fewer symptoms of physical illness

Those are some impressive benefits that can be yours without even increasing your physical activity or changing your nutrition plan. All that is required is a grateful heart.

Are you a thankful person? If you are unsure, then it may be in your best interest to consider the following questions:

Are you the type of person who dwells on the good or on the bad things that happen to you?

Do you tell others about the blessings in your life as much as you tell them when things go wrong?

Are you considerate of the people closest to you or do you often take them for granted?

Are you thankful only when things are going well or do you look for blessings even when bad things happen?

Is there someone you admire who is a thankful person?

What other attributes do you admire about him/her?

Are you leaving a legacy of thankfulness that others will remember you by?

There is nothing complicated about gratitude. Quite simply, thankfulness is a choice. To say we feel grateful is not to say that everything in our life is great. It just means that in spite of all we see that is worthy of complaint, there is far more we can choose to focus on that is worthy of thank- fulness. Why not choose to extend the tradition of giving thanks through the entire year, instead of limiting it to the Holiday Season? You’re physical, emotional, and spiritual health will all reap the benefits of a thankful heart. The choice is yours.

My Real Age

I took the Real Age Test. My calendar age is 36. My real age is 37.3. One thing I can do to get younger is follow a weight plan I can stick with. No news there. They suggested 4 things I can do to lose some weight and I thought I'd share them with you.
4 Powerful Ways to Reach Your Optimal Weight
Believe it or not, your body naturally wants to take you to your ideal weight, and the YOU: On a Diet plan is designed to help get it there. It’s based on four simple strategies:

1. Find a diet buddy -- someone to listen and keep you on track.
2. Track your waist -- measure your middle, every day.
3. Restock your fridge -- out with the bad, in with the good.
4. Walk every day -- 30 minutes, no matter what. Here’s why.

Your inner voice may cheerlead you into thinking longer walks equal more pounds lost, but research shows it may not be so.

Long walks may be best for someone more fit, but shorter strolls -- about 30 minutes 5 days a week -- could be all you need in the first 3 months of a walking program to achieve the weight-loss benefit you seek. Once you're feeling stronger, and the walking is easier, add minutes and intensity to reach your next goal. That'll give your inner voice something to cheer about.

If you'd like to find out your real age, take the test at http://www.realage.com/ralong/qa/hi.aspx