Most people think that the only way to lose weight is by exercising and burning calories. That is the traditional way. Exercise indeed has a positive effect on weight loss. Working out can, and should, be a part of your weight loss for happiness strategy. But there's more to it than that.
What if we told you that when you lose weight, you become happier?
When you're happy, your self-image improves, as well as who you are being and how you show up. You have more motivation toward self-preservation and away from self-sabotage.
When you're in a positive state, you're less likely to eat mood-boosting foods high in fat and high sugar.
Creating an environment for weight loss
Serotonin is one of the hormones that create happiness. You can boost your serotonin levels by venting with friends, being outdoors in sunlight, or exercising.
Being in a state of happiness is potentially more responsible for losing weight than how many calories you burn or how much fat your body used for fuel during or after exercise.
You can probably agree from experience that when you're happy, you're more likely to stay committed to things you know you ought to do. For instance, if you choose a form of exercise that you enjoy (whether or not it burns the most calories), this helps to improve your hormone balance, in turn creating an environment conducive for weight loss.
Five tips to boost your happiness
Get grounded. There are various ways you can do this, from meditation to going outdoors and doing something simple. Activities like yoga, going for walks (ideally in nature), etc. increase your sense of peace and calm. Decreasing your stress levels and regaining a centered feeling will help you get back that happiness factor, which makes you take better care of yourself.
Drink water. Staying hydrated keeps your energy high. It's hard to feel happy when your energy is low.
Circulate. Do a headstand, stretch, dance to your favorite song. Getting active improves blood flow to your extremities and provides a burst of serotonin.
Eat healthy fats. Foods such as walnuts and avocados are rich in healthy fats and support brain-boosting chemicals that cause feelings of happiness.
Get a hug. When we experience affection, our bodies release the hormone oxytocin. Hug a loved one or a pet to reduce anxiety and increase happiness.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
