During the Holiday season, so many websites suggest different kinds of health and wellness gifts, top 10 of this or the top 10 of that. I think one of the most important gifts you can give during the Holidays is to:
Give yourself the ability to forgive yourself, so you can continue to pursue health and happiness.
I know many people women in particular, have a very difficult time forgiving themselves, especially regarding their personal issues of weight, weight-loss, and weight-gain.
Especially vexing is when “diet” is concerned. As an illustration, some women want healthier eating programs. Some days they do “well” some “not-so-well.”
In other words, perhaps they gave into temptation and ended up eating the wrong food or too much of something on any given day. Therefore, instead of reasoning that to err is human, all too frequently they end up rationalizing to themselves:
“Well, I’ve screwed up today, so I might as well keep eating whatever I want.” Essentially, they are punishing themselves for a mistake, instead of stepping up to the plate, acknowledging the mistake, and continuing on the planned healthy eating program or routine.
This results in taking two steps backwards instead of one step forward.
Women, as well as men, need the ability to forgive themselves for their mistakes and move on. Life is full of mistakes, and we shouldn’t punish ourselves for them.
To wit:
What are the benefits of forgiving someone (or yourself)?
Researchers have recently become interested in studying the effects of being unforgiving and being forgiving. Evidence is mounting that holding on to grudges and bitterness results in long-term health problems.
Forgiveness, on the other hand, offers numerous benefits, including:
- Lower blood pressure
- Stress reduction
- Less hostility
- Better anger management skills
- Lower heart rate
- Lower risk of alcohol or substance abuse
- Fewer depression symptoms
- Fewer anxiety symptoms
- Reduction in chronic pain
- More friendships
- Healthier relationships
- Greater religious or spiritual well-being
- Improved psychological well-being
So, this year for the Holidays, give yourself permission to make mistakes, but, learn from those mistakes, don’t punish yourself, and keep pursuing your weight related objectives. If you forgive yourself, chances are you will move on to bigger and brighter things. And that's all good.
After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle.
