Change your Thoughts, Change your Life!

The key to changing unwanted patterns lies not in changing our behavior, but in changing our beliefs. We may say, for example, “I love ice cream but I will not eat it!” This can lead to short term success, but as long as we tell ourselves that we love ice cream, we will eventually go back to it. What if instead we told ourselves that ice cream makes our allergies worse, gives us headaches, creates insulin sensitivity, makes us tired, increases our waistline, makes us congested, and hurts our stomachs? By changing what we believe about ice cream, we can truly make a long-term change in how often we eat it.

Becoming aware of and consciously managing our beliefs is a necessary tool for building a healthy lifestyle.  Anyone can go on a diet or exercise regimen for a short time, but eventually our will power will be overtaken by our beliefs (exercising is hard work, fast food is delicious, I am not seeing any changes etc.).  If you want to change your beliefs, focus on what you tell yourself.  If you want to start exercising more regularly, tell yourself that exercise increases energy, helps maintain a healthy weight, helps with digestion, builds a strong immune system, increases quality of life, tones muscle, etc. If you would like to eat better, start focusing on the positive effects of eating well: I give my body all of the nutrients it needs to create strong healthy cells, I am nourishing my body, I have more energy when I eat healthy foods, I am happier when I eat well etc.  Notice any and all positive changes, no matter how small, and celebrate them!

If you are trying to transition into a healthier lifestyle, think of one thing you would like to change and start to tell yourself all the positive things this change will bring. Write a list, read it every morning, and celebrate improvements every day for a month. See what new habits unfold!

“Please understand my friend that where you find yourself tomorrow is a function of the positive decisions and actions you take today” Akin A Awolaja

–Laine Morales, D.C.