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Activity vs. Exercise
Mention the word “exercise” to most people, especially those who are overweight or obese, and their immediate reaction is dread. Part of this reaction is justified, since exercising requires time and exertion and can be quite uncomfortable. For regular exercisers, the discomfort and time requirements are well worth it because of the physical, psychological and…
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The Importance of Nutrition in Living Longer
There is so much written about nutrition and the benefits of healthy eating, and this article only scratches the surface. I basically recommend what has been found in investigating “blue zones” throughout the world and the benefits of a “Mediterranean” diet. Learning from Blue Zones Blue zones are places where people live extraordinary long lives,…
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Developing a Growth Mindset
A book that I used when teaching a critical thinking course at the University of Missouri in Kansas City is “Mindset – The New Psychology of Success,” by Carol Dweck, Ph.D. I chose this book because it contains information, mostly backed by research, that draws the distinction between a “fixed” mindset and a “growth” mindset. …
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Overcoming Externalization and Oppositional Thinking
Do You Have an Internal or External Locus of Control? Externalization is when we look for solutions outside of ourselves. This includes waiting for feedback and validation from others or judging our progress based on what others think and say. At the heart of this belief is the idea that your destiny is in the…
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Overcoming Denial and Discouragement
When I think about the beliefs and attitudes that can get in our way of achieving wellness, they usually fall into four mental roadblocks: denial, discouragement, externalization and oppositional thinking. I’ll explore the first two in this article. Denial Denial is basically an unwillingness to face reality. This may come in the form of thoughts…
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The Power of Perception
When most people hear the word perception, they think about our senses – what we see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. These five senses provide numerous ways to live in the moment and experience many pleasures of life. Experiencing our Senses While it’s impossible to be totally aware of every moment captured by our senses,…
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Knowing your Health Status
The path to a healthier, more fulfilling life starts with knowing where you currently stand in terms of your overall health. Having a complete physical exam with comprehensive blood work is a good starting point. Takeaways from your Doctor’s Visit While your physician will be quick to point out the things that are of medical…
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Cognition: Thoughts, Values, Beliefs and Awareness
The Power of our Thoughts It all begins in our brain. We are conscious beings with the freedom to think and feel as we wish. If you want to live a life that is fulfilling and enables you to have more energy and vitality, it begins here. The conscious decision to change is the starting…
