When You Are Your Own Worst Enemy

There are many times when we will set a personal goal and find ourselves self-sabotaging that goal. The behavior will be obvious to everyone but the person engaged in the self-destructive choices. There are many ways that we accomplish this by denial, brooding, jealousy, fear of feedback, and procrastination. Jay Jackman, M.D. a psychiatrist and career consultant states, "We unconsciously respond to stressful situations in ways that hurt us." Jackman gives several suggestions on how to confront being our own worst enemy.

• Denial - Confront the issue and create a plan that will gradually present the results you are wanting.
• Brooding - Don't waste time brooding. It can cause anxiety and depression which will leave you emotionally paralyzed. You can journal to identify your concerns and then visualize a positive outcome for yourself.
• Fear of Feedback - Receive feedback with an open mind. If you receive more positive feedback than negative feedback you are probably on the right track.
• Procrastination - Putting things off can keep you from doing your best work. Break the task into smaller tasks and work toward your goal.
• Jealousy - has a tendency to keep us thinking about what we don't have instead of what we do have. Try to focus on what you are doing right as you move forward to accomplish your goal.

Learning about your strengths and weaknesses can keep you from being your own worst enemy and will help you become the person you want to be.

Best wishes,

Gina

Mental Health

Most people believe that mental illnesses are rare and happen to other people. However, more than 50 million Americans suffer from illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, bi-polar disorders and other mental health conditions.

Depression is one of the more common mental health illnesses that goes untreated. If you have a close relative who suffers from depression, you could be at a higher risk for developing depression. There are lifestyle steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing depression.

• Set realistic goals by breaking large projects into small tasks.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Share your feelings with others.
• Build a support network of family and friends.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat healthy.
• Get an average of eight hours of sleep daily.

For more mental health information go to the Mental Health America website www.nmha.org. It can inform you on how to find different support groups and discusses different treatment options that are available for mental illness.

Take care,

Gina

Emotional Eating

There are many people today who use food to comfort or sooth themselves. They are called emotional eaters. If you eat when you are anxious, depressed, over stressed or bored that is a sign that you are using food for comfort and not nutrition. Although food can provide comfort for a brief time, it usually leads to overeating and weight gain.

Instead of stuffing your feelings with food, you can look for healthier ways to release your emotions. Write down what you eat, when you eat, and how you feel when you are binging on sweets may help you curb your emotional eating. You could also take your pet for a walk, ride your bike, listen to music or work on your hobby. If you are unhappy with yourself, then you are in control of making the changes that you desire. "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." -Leo Tolstoy

Best wishes,
Gina

Dealing with Loneliness

Loneliness is a feeling most individuals struggle with sometime in their life. In our childhood it happens as you move from school to school. As young adult you may struggle with loneliness as you adjust to your new college environment or taking that new job away from your friends and family. You can also feel lonely in a relationship if you are with an individual that is emotionally unavailable. Any change in your life can at times create this feeling.

If you find your self in this situation ask yourself a few questions:

1. What am I doing or thinking to create these feelings of loneliness?
2. What is the best way to reach out and connect with people today?
3. What is something that I can do for others today?

You should create a plan of action that can create positive thoughts for you. Your plan should get you involved with other people that share the same interests as you. It could be an organization of service or just a hobby that interests you. You can also journal to process your thoughts to clarify your plan and interests or find comfort in your prayer life. Take positive steps to help yourself. The only thing that you have control of is your mind, body and spirit.

Take care.
Gina