This Winter, Chill Out!

Lydia Cole

Do you ever keep track of all the things you think you have to do to improve yourself? Exercise more, eat less, look better, wear cuter outfits, make more or different friends, study harderâa,?¦ As girls, we are so hard on ourselves! We stress out over all the things we have to do to make ourselves "better".

This winter, try chilling out! Be good to yourself by keeping things positive. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for excellence. A healthy lifestyle, eating well, exercising, and staying fit are all great things but they are not meant to rule your life, stress you out, or bring you down. Each one of us is a work in progress-and each one of us is a masterpiece!  As you continue to stay healthy by exercising regularly and eating food that's good for you keep it positive by exercising your attitude. Think about all the things you like about yourself. If you're like most people, sometimes it's hard to think of any, but keep trying because this is an exercise that will pay off.

Try this exercise:
Look in the mirror and list 3 positive things about yourself. Warning: Its much easier to list everything you don't like, but don't give in to that!!! Instead, try the opposite. Look in the mirror and find 3 things you like about yourself. If that's too tough, try listing 3 things about yourself that you are thankful for.

On a day when all you see is the extra weight, one more zit or bad hairâa,?¦ remember to keep it positive. Sometimes, when all I see is the things I don't like, my list may say things like, "I like my eyes, because they look at others and care for themâa,?¦ I am thankful for my body because I have 2 legs that can runâa,?¦"

Winter Fitness tip: Fitness and health isn't just about making the most of what you have -it's about learning to love yourself in the process! God made you and He doesn't make any junk! Man looks on the outside but God looks at the heart.