We can be inspired by anyone, from loved ones to new acquaintances to our own innermost thoughts and dreams. The important thing is to keep that inspiration alive – to keep moving forward on our journey to achieving and maintaining our health. Today I had a conversation with one of my sisters and we discussedContinue reading “Looking Backward to Move Forward”
Category Archives: Self-Care
Climbing Out of a Slump or Hole
How to you get out of a slump – where you just don’t want to do anything? Looking at the photo above, we can see both a ladder and a helping hand – two ways out of the hole. To quote Dr. Seuss, “When you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun.Un-slumping yourselfContinue reading “Climbing Out of a Slump or Hole”
Self-Care: Recognizing the Importance of Recognition
I had an interesting experience recently. I attended the fall rally of central Florida TOPS Clubs where many members received special recognition for their losses over the past year. I don’t normally put much stock in this type of thing, but I cannot deny that the rally gave me some extra motivation! I typically feelContinue reading “Self-Care: Recognizing the Importance of Recognition”
Self-Care: Support Groups
Perhaps the most important tools that have helped me maintain my healthy weight are my support groups. Sure, I have family and friends who care for and encourage me. But there’s something special about sharing your journey with others who are on a similar path. There are many types of groups you can join. OneContinue reading “Self-Care: Support Groups”
Avoiding Diet Burnout
I’ve been on my current eating plan for over a year straight. In the past, I don’t think I’ve lasted more than a few months before giving up in disgust. Why do we sometimes lose our motivation? How can we avoid diet burnout? First of all, what exactly is diet burnout? According to a MyFitnessPalContinue reading “Avoiding Diet Burnout”
Self Care: Journaling
Journaling can take many forms, from letter writing or poetry to long term goal planning – or even a blog like this one. We can use journaling to express our thoughts and feelings and create a lasting record of our journey. Getting in touch with this side of ourselves can be a healthy exercise andContinue reading “Self Care: Journaling”
Exercise: Creating a Home Gym
My home gym, pictured above, took shape as a matter of happenstance. Our last child permanently moved out and our neighbor decided to trash her functional treadmill at right about the same time. Physical therapy for my knee was actually making it worse but I realized that my knee felt better after cycling. And thatContinue reading “Exercise: Creating a Home Gym”
Non-Scale Victories
We need to keep our motivation up throughout our journey to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Often it seems like the scale just isn’t cooperating, especially during the holiday season. Even healthy changes, like increasing our strength training, can result in a plateau. At times like these, we should celebrate the non-scale victories inContinue reading “Non-Scale Victories”
Self-Care & Exercise: Deep Breathing
Deep breathing exercises have been associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression in numerous studies (1). By reducing cortisol levels, deep breathing exercises can normalize our hormone levels, leading to fewer cravings and reduced appetite. Deep breathing can also improve focus which is a valuable skill for weight maintenance (2). Diaphragmatic breathing (explained below) canContinue reading “Self-Care & Exercise: Deep Breathing”
Exercise: The Benefits of Yoga
Yoga can have many health benefits – both physical and psychological. Let’s take a look at some studies to learn if this exercise is right for you. Yoga is based upon an ancient practice first recorded in India about 5,000 years ago (1). Modern yoga focuses on strength, flexibility, agility, and breathing. There are manyContinue reading “Exercise: The Benefits of Yoga”
Self-Care: Vision Boards
What Is a Vision Board? A vision board is a tool that can help us to visualize a dream that we hope to realize. It can help us to be more positive and motivated to achieve our vision for the future. I’ve created a little one here that uses recent photos that make me feelContinue reading “Self-Care: Vision Boards”
Self Care: Mindfulness
Have you been seeing the term mindfulness more often lately? It’s not always associated with dieting, but it is often discussed in terms of health benefits. As it turns out, it can play a role in maintaining a healthy weight. Sometimes mindfulness is coupled directly with food, as in mindful eating. In that case, it’sContinue reading “Self Care: Mindfulness”
Exercise: Tai Chi
I recently took my first Tai chi class after reading about its many benefits. I was looking for improved balance but learned much more. Read about other exercises to improve your balance here: https://lindawbrowning.com/2023/02/10/exercise-keeping-balanced/ Tai chi is a traditional Chinese exercise based on the martial arts (1). Its slow breathing and pacing are reminiscent ofContinue reading “Exercise: Tai Chi”
Self Care: Sunlight
Are you looking for an easy way to uplift your spirits and your health? One that doesn’t require a lot of hard work or a big time commitment? How about a free therapy that can help with weight loss and even some diseases? Look no further than your own backyard or the nearest park! BeforeContinue reading “Self Care: Sunlight”
Exercise & Self-Care: CycleBar – Putting Yourself Out There
Are you the type of person who likes to try new things? I’m always ready for new hobbies, new foods, new music, and new places. But I can’t recall trying a new form of exercise in many, many years. Before embarking on any new fitness activity, check with your medical provider to see if it’sContinue reading “Exercise & Self-Care: CycleBar – Putting Yourself Out There”
Self-Care: Volunteering
By helping others, you can truly help yourself. Volunteering is an unexpected way to care for yourself. It’s definitely another tool we can use to help maintain our healthy weight. And it’s one with a far reaching positive impact. Here are some of the benefits of volunteering: How might you find the right volunteer projectContinue reading “Self-Care: Volunteering”
Self-Care: Clothing, Part 2
Last time, we looked at the first two items in the list below. Today we will consider the final three. Alterations I’m fortunate in being able to sew and I also have a nice sewing machine with ample supplies. I’ve been able to alter many of my clothes as I lost weight. But if somethingContinue reading “Self-Care: Clothing, Part 2”
Self-Care: Clothing, Part 1
Building your wardrobe can be enjoyable, but also costly in terms of time and money. It’s a complicated topic and can even be triggering for many of us. So much of our identity, both positive and negative, is reflected in our clothing choices. Let’s try to value and care for ourselves. Let’s wear the thingsContinue reading “Self-Care: Clothing, Part 1”
Self-Care: Music
Let’s start off with a self-care practice that’s near to my heart, music. I’ve been learning the harp for four years and have found that playing is a wonderful way to de-stress. It is also one of the things I routinely do when I think I’m hungry, but know that it’s definitely not time toContinue reading “Self-Care: Music”
Self-Care: What and Why?
You’ve likely heard of self-care, a phrase that seems to mean just about anything that improves your life. But what is it really and why does it matter in terms of weight maintenance? Self-care is a sort of nebulous term, as it includes so many possible activities. These are actions you undertake to improve yourContinue reading “Self-Care: What and Why?”
Maintain Weight Loss 