Motivation of the Day

Although fate presents the circumstances, how you react depends on your character.

Motivation of the Day

Learn to smile at every situation. See it as an opportunity to prove your strength and ability.

Choose Life

"Hypochondriac: A person who has hypochondriasis, a disorder characterized by a preoccupation with body functions and the interpretation of normal body sensations (such as sweating) or minor abnormalities (such as minor aches and pains) as portending problems of major medical moment. Reassurance by physicians and others only serves to increase the hypochondriac's persistent anxiety about their health." (Source: MedicineNet.com)

Do you know somebody like this? Somebody who is so afraid of dying that they constantly look for a medical problem within themselves? All the while, they are missing out on the opportunities open to them here on earth.

Hypochondriacs are the extreme case of this problem, but how many times have you been so preoccupied with death that you didn't really live? Look at your life now. Can you honestly say that you are living, or do you catch yourself thinking, "As soon as ___________ happens, I will really live." How about, "I will be so happy when ____________ happens." Or "I'm just passing time until _________."

What is holding you back from truly living? Do you think it's money? Fame? The perfect relationship? Success in business? A promotion? A child? Retirement?

If you answered yes to any of these, then you will never truly live. If you are not living, the only thing holding you back is your attitude. As the saying goes, "Get busy living, or get busy dying." Which do you choose?

Faking Yourself into Success

How about a little challenge for today? If you get down, depressed, angered or any other negative emotion today, pretend for 30 minutes that you are in an excellent mood. Fake it. Giggle, cut up, be energetic... just make yourself do it for 30 minutes. How do you feel after your time is up? Are you in a better mood than you were before faking it?

Many times we can convince ourselves to be happier than we previously were. If you act in a good mood for a period of time, you can actually change your own attitude. The same holds true for challenges, competitions and difficulties. Muhammad Ali believed that if you fake yourself into believing that you are the best, you will be the best. Our actions follow what our minds think. Changing your attitude to positive - whether it is in relation to work, school, kids, parenting, a disability, or just your general mood - will put you on the road to success.

Try it! I'm willing to bet you won't have to fake it very long before the positive attitude becomes a reality.

Cheer Up! An Anti~Depressant with Positive Side Effects

With the pressures created by today’s economy, even typically happy people are fighting depression.  For those who already struggle with clinical depression, some of these added stressors may be more than they can handle.  So how do you alleviate the symptoms without the many side effects caused by antidepressant medications?  Psychotherapy has shown to be a successful method of decreasing depression, and when combined with antidepressants it can be even more successful.  But emerging research is turning to exercise as a treatment for many forms of depression. 

How does moving your body correct your mind?  Both psychological and physiological effects are being studied.  Psychologically induced improvements can be explained by changes in the body creating increases in self-esteem which, in turn, cause the individual to feel happier and more confident.  Another confidence booster is the sense of mastery that is created by accomplishing goals. 

Now for the physiologically scientific explanations…  Depression is a disorder in the brain that is caused by levels of chemicals, namely neurotransmitters such as beta-endorphin, serotonin, and dopamine, being out of whack.  These neurotransmitters are linked to mood and pain interpretation.  When you exercise, these chemicals are transmitted and secreted at a much faster rate.  This reaction may normalize the levels of the chemicals in the brain causing mood to increase and, thus, depression to decrease.  Although exercise may not take effect as quickly as antidepressants, after 16 weeks of continuous exercise it may reduce major depression equally as effectively as antidepressant medications.    Plus, exercise has many added benefits!  If you’re worried about side effects of medication, the chief side effect you may experience from exercise is fitting into those skinny jeans again.  It’s a win-win situation! 

Are you ready to get started but don’t really know where to begin?  Lace up those walking shoes and hit the pavement.    Cardio exercise and strength training have equal effects.  So whether you hit the weights in the gym, take up a kickboxing class, or walk the dog around a few blocks, the key idea is that you get moving!

 The only rule:  Don’t overdo it!  Overtraining can cause an adverse effect, so be sure to start slow.  Find an activity you will enjoy, and consider teaming up with a friend or hiring a personal trainer.  Whatever method you choose, get moving!


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