Living the Lifestyle - 08/03/2017

misterhub

Everyone says it, but just how do you do it? How do you take the guidelines of the WW program and turn them into a lifestyle you can live every day...from now on? That is what we are here to explore. Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion. Newbie? Join in! Veteran? Join in! Your thoughts may be just what someone else needs to hear.

Monday -- imastar2 (Derrick)
Tuesday -- bwmalone (Brett)
Wednesday -- minimyzeme (Kim)
Thursday -- misterhub (Greg)
Friday -- Jimb376mfp (Jim)


Today’s Topic: Beyond Diet and Exercise

When working on developing a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise get the bulk of the attention. But, there are other areas of life and/or activities that can impact our lifestyles. For example, some people use meditation to help center themselves. Others use an artistic endeavor. Those are just two examples among a myriad of possibilities. Beyond diet and exercise, what impacts your healthy lifestyle in a positive way? Is there something you want to do, but have not, yet?

Jimb376mfp

I took Tai Chi classes out of curiosity. I learned a lot and it opened up a topic and interest that was way beyond the scale.
I have not practiced it on a regular basis but will go back for more lessons this Fall.
The internal health aspects and mind related aspects were interesting.

DavidKuhnsSr

Mental and spiritual health are as important as the physical, to me. We recently joined a new church, which we love, and which is also providing social contacts and activities. That is critical for mental fitness as we age.

I also spend a lot of time out in my wood shop. In the past I have made a lot of furniture. Recently, I have been concentrating on lathe work. Creating is good for my inner peace.

Even my hiking, while a big part of my exercise routine, is also important to my mental wellbeing. The connection to the natural world is a big part of who I am.

Rachel0778

Sleep. If I don't sleep well all healthy habits are out the window. My bedtime is sacred in our household and no one messes with my sleep unless there is an emergency (aka the house is burning down or someone has died).

Finding time for a social life is important too. Going out to eat or grabbing a drink with friends needs to be part of a healthy lifestyle for me.

88olds

I'm trying to stay with the mindset that I'm willing to try anything new that may be fun or good for me. Or just trying to have more fun in general. I'm now a regular at a yoga studio. 4 months ago, wouldn't have happened. Just got back from my Pickleball game.

I'm trying to sleep better. Worked through all the check lists. It's been a mixed bag.

But since it's always on my mind here, wouldn't be like this without weight loss. I think my high point for reaching outside my comfort level was singing lessons. Never would have had the confidence without WL.

gadgetgirlIL

Sleep is also vitally important to me. Long gone are the days when I could burn both ends of the candle along with the middle.

I also find that a connection to the outdoors is vitally important to my mental health. It is the very rare weekend during the year that doesn't find me outside doing something. Weather is not a deterrent as I have all the gear and gadgets I need to keep me safe and comfortable.

Finally, I need a certain amount of alone time each week to recharge. I'm an introvert but need to play the extrovert at work. It can be very draining.

Out_of_Bubblegum

Martial arts has been my mental/emotional outlet for many years, in addition to the exercise it gives.

Also I am learning that I am a much better person in general if I get enough sleep... and things tend to fall apart if I don't.

Another thing for me, is family - spending time with the family has become very important. We cook together, hike together, play together.. and this seems to have a self-reinforcing benefit to my healthy habits as well as bring a sense of well-being.

mcbluesky

Playing guitar is vital to my healthy lifestyle. I must admit when I was younger playing in bands, travelling every weekend, it probably did not do many positive things for my health due to excessive drinking and lack of sleep. Was a skinny long haired typical rock guitar player who suddenly grew old and much larger. Playing and writing music makes me happy. Plus, with both hands on my guitar, no hands left for eating. Music is spiritual for me. The more time I devote to it the more centered I am, which contributes to a more healthy lifestyle.

GoRun2

Three things, enough sleep, good balance between social and alone time, and being outdoors.

I think the balance between social and alone time depends on the person.

minimyzeme

News breaks--especially these days. I get pretty riled up at the state of things and while I want to be informed, I don't want to be overwhelmed. I like my news in concise, thoughtful, objective and synthesized stories as opposed to what I've come to call "shrapnel".

Definitely time alone and definitely time out with the camera. These days I largely combine those into photo sessions of a couple hours or more, often at State Wildlife Management Areas. I rarely run into other people and sometimes get to see some pretty neat stuff. The last few years I've taken to photographing mostly birds, but I'm not picky. Three times over the last couple years I've seen and photographed coywolves (info here smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/coywolves-are-taking-over-eastern-north-america-180957141/ ). Otter, mink, muskrats, butterflies, etc. all make interesting subjects too.

I've always been a dog guy; still am. Ever since my childhood, I've loved the Newfoundland breed and many years ago, I had one. We managed to be good friends for 13 years. Now my dog is a little punk rescue but her heart and soul is as big as the Newfie's. Next weekend I'm hoping to go to an annual Newfoundland Water Trial event. It's tremendous to see the bond between dog and handler and especially in their advanced rescue events, just astounding to see those dogs work with people in distress in and under water. I've been going to the event for almost 10 years and have gotten to know a lot of the people there so it should be a good time all the way around.

These are just a few of the things that support my weight loss efforts. I agree that it's important to "focus" on other things and not obsess on the food. These are great ways to either help me not to stuff my face or just give me other things to take my mind off it.

misterhub

minimyzeme wrote: »

News breaks--especially these days. I get pretty riled up at the state of things and while I want to be informed,

I started taking news breaks about three months ago. Had to.

podkey

Lately yoga is helping. Biking keeps me sane but is also activity. I like to combine spiritual with motion. I meditate too.