In Your Quest for Physical Fitness, Don't Forget Your Mental Health

Two of the main reasons we seek physical fitness is to feel better and to look better. A great part of that feeling of well-being involves our mental and emotional outlook. Believe it or not, there are exercises we can do for mental fitness just as there are for physical fitness. The following list of exercises needs no diagrams or lengthy explanations. They are familiar things that we all do occasionally, some more often than others and some a lot less than others. Do the following "exercises" daily and your mental outlook will become more positive, a sure route to feeling and looking better. 
1. Do something nice for someone and don't tell anyone about it.
2. Smile at a stranger.
3. Lend a hand to someone who needs it.
4. Compliment somebody and really mean it.
5. Visit a sick friend.
6. Send a thank you not to someone who has done something for you, either recently or long ago.
7. Forgive an enemy

Question of the Week

Question: My sister is 20-years old. She is trying to get skinny and has been working out everyday. What is she supposed to eat and not eat every day? She weighs 128 pounds and she is five feet five inches tall. If you have any clue, please E-mail me back so I can help my sister.

Answer: While it's noble of you to want to help your sister, we know from experience that people don't lose weight and get fit for anybody but themselves. Unless your sister desires and seeks help herself, chances are she will not do it, not even for you. 

Getting fit and healthy involves a life-style change and a long-term commitment. Nobody else can do this for her. She must be self- motivated or she will never stick with it. You can help your sister through encouragement and pointing her in the right direction but you cannot make her want to do it. In fact, well meaning family and friends often alienate the person who is made to feel somehow "inferior" by every one else's advice. It's an insult to assume the person cannot think for herself and must heed other's advice unless it is a professional whose opinion she values and who is not involved emotionally with her. 

If you are serious about helping your sister, the best plan of action for you is to set the example. When you are in her company, suggest walks instead of snacks. If food is involved, make your own selections from healthy choices such as fresh fruit and veggies, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Work out with her sometimes. Form a bond based on equality and compassion. Listen to her problems without giving advice. This includes diet and exercise advice. If she seeks your counsel in regards to health and fitness, send her our way.

Check our Health & Fitness Home Page for more health tips on exercise and weight loss and just plain healthy living. And let us know how you're doing. Good luck.

The HFT Staff

NOTE: If you would like to see your question featured here, please submit to: questions@health-fitness-tips.com

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