Feeling stressed?

Life can get pretty stressful sometimes, especially when you add trying to lose weight and exercise to the mix.  Studies have shown that stress and lack of sleep are directly correlated to an increase in abdominal fat.  While trying to lose weight, it is important to get adequate sleep (preferably 7-8 hours, nightly) and reduce stress levels.  I have listed a few of the ways that I personally like to relax and reduce stress in my own life, I also recommend these strategies to my clients who are feeling frazzled.   

Play some tunes - Before going to sleep at night, I like to lay in bed and listen to tranquil music.  I love my CD Circle of Compassion which is Native American flute music by a very talented artist, Marina Raye.  Light an aromatherapy candle in a soothing scent and relax while all your stresses melt away.

Coffee date with a girlfriend - spending time with a good friend can help to reduce stress levels.  Visiting and sharing stories helps to reinforce positive bonds with those important to you, creating a positive emotional response and reducing levels of stress.  If you don't have time to meet in person, a quick phone call or text can be a quick pick-me-up.  The best part is, you are helping to give your friend the same lift!

Rent a Comedy - Studies have demonstrated that positive endorphins are released when we laugh, so get those endorphins going by renting a funny movie.  Combine more than one stress-reducing activity by inviting some friends over to laugh with you!  

Yoga - Yoga can be a great stress reliever.  It allows you to focus on yourself and look inward while finding peace.  There are many types of yoga that fit various fitness levels and personal goals.  I have enjoyed everything from Hatha yoga to Bikram yoga.  Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and work toward your fitness goal simultaneously.

Take your dog for a walk - Getting outside and breathing fresh air will do a lot to reduce your stress levels.  You will also feel good knowing that you did something fun and healthy with your pooch.

Massage - If you can afford the cost and time, a massage is a great way to relieve stress and tension.  I particularly enjoy a nice massage when exercising vigorously (or starting a new exercise routine).  Make sure you speak up and ask for what you want, to get the most out of your massage you should have good pressure but be comfortable.  

Replace 'I have to'

Yesterday I spent the morning with a girlfriend having coffee and taking a nice long walk. We chatted about life and being thankful for all of our blessings, even when they present themselves as challenges or unpleasant tasks. She told me that she has begun replacing every statement that would normally be 'I have to' with 'I get to'. I absolutely love this! Many things that we dread doing can actually be counted as a blessing that we get to do. For example, some days I really don't want to go grocery shopping but instead I should feel blessed that I have access to such high quality and nutritious foods. This change of attitude can really be applied to many daily activities that we have aversions to. I'm hoping that I can help some of my clients adopt this attitude toward going to the gym and eating healthy/nutritious foods. Instead of avoiding these healthy activities we should embrace them and feel blessed to have the opportunity to take such great care of ourselves!

Please comment and let me know what activity you are going to apply this new outlook to!

Why I chose the name "Fun Fit Lifestyle"

I would like to take a quick moment to discuss where the name "Fun Fit Lifestyle" came from.  I have a great passion to help others on the journey of leading a healthy lifestyle; whether through private consulting, blogging, or writing (it's all based on the individual's needs).  When deciding on a name for my business, I really took my time and thought about what I was trying to help others achieve.  I asked myself, how did I want to portray myself and my services?  For me, being physically fit and healthy is a lifestyle.  I don't believe in "diets", calling something a diet is setting it up to be a temporary solution.  And how do you achieve long-term change and lasting results with a temporary solution?  It's just illogical.  I choose to live by the mantra that life is about having fun.  Caring for the body through exercise, massage, stretching, nutritious foods, and a positive attitude contribute to living the most fun lifestyle possible.  I think this mantra and approach is so effective because it works for any age and either gender.  Any individual that is empowered with the right information can begin to make better choices, from foods to exercise.  Life is supposed to be fun, and I have found that treating your body well will lead to a more fulfilling & happy life.

On vacation (Bahamas 2010), Living a Fun Fit Lifestyle