1 Quick Secret to Losing Weight. Be Happy.
How often do you think about being happy with your life and yourself and as a result you lose weight? Maybe more than you think.
An article by Labroo and Patrick (2009) makes the point that being happy can help us see the big picture. This study found participants were better able to think abstractly therefore enhancing their ability to reach their goals and stay motivated.
Laymen terms — if you are happy you will see beyond the immediate crisis in front of you. You’ll be better able to hold the vision of your desired weight, running time, speed, and the efforts it will take to get you to your desired point. According to social psychologist Emily Balcetis (2014) and team “keeping your eye on the prize” is a key component to helping you reach your goals.
Completion of a goal is a direct result of being able to hold the big picture of what you ultimately want in your mind. This keeps you focused when taking smaller steps toward completion of the goal. The action step for you is to work on feeling happy. If you are feeling happy you will be able to focus more effectively on what to do in the short term to reach the larger goal.
You’ll train harder and maybe longer and definitely more consistently if you are focused. When you examine the contents of the fridge you are more likely to choose healthy options if you are happy than if you are looking for emotional comfort in your foods (Pawlik-Kienlen, 2009).
So start today and take steps to make yourself happy. Surround yourself with activities, things and people that make you happy to reach your fitness goals.
References:
Balcetis. E. (2014, November). Why some people find exercise harder than others [Video]. TED Conferences. https://youtu.be/QeIrdqU0o9s
Labroo, A. A., & Patrick, V. M.(2009). Psychological distancing: Why happiness helps you see the big picture [Abstract]. Journal of
Consumer Reserach, 35(5), 800–809.
Pawlik-Kienlen, L. (2009, March/April). Happy pictures on the fridge will help you lose weight. Spirituality & Health, 30.
Read about how to figure out What Makes You Happy on my blog.
Stacy Reuille-Dupont, PhD, LAC, CPFT, CNC, licensed psychologist, addiction counselor, personal trainer and nutrition coach. She’s passionate about helping people create a vibrant life using psychology and physiology. With over 25 years coaching people to be their best, she understands how to make living healthy easy while finding adventure, inspiration, and balance. Grab a 7 Day Food Batching Meal Plan Here when you sign up for my newsletter.
