Think of all the times you say “no” when you choose what you think is best for your health. All the “shouldn’t” or “can’t have’s” can get tiresome. Instead of fixating on “no”, focus on when you can say “yes”.
Image by Mr Moss.
Now this is not like shouting a resounding “yes!” to eating all the ice cream for every meal (although that would be awesome). It’s more about avoiding dwelling on what you “sacrifice” — from putting off dessert for another time, to putting the chips back on the shelf, to getting in your morning workout despite wanting to sleep in. Mark Sisson, health writer at Mark’s Daily Apple, has great insight on building a healthy life, rather than simply making monotonous, healthy choices to which he often says “no”, depriving himself of something he could have.
The next time you have an internal tug-of-war (such as “No, I shouldn’t go to 2-for-1 margaritas because I need to go to the gym”), turn it into a way to practice gratitude for the things you are fortunate enough to enjoy. Some of Mark’s examples:
“Yes! I get to enjoy a hearty roast or juicy steak tonight!”
“Yes! I get to spend the evening walking around the park with my partner this evening.”
“Yes! I get to make that favourite Primal dish for Thanksgiving in a few weeks.”
“Yes! I get to enjoy my morning meditation time.”
“Yes! I get to feel the sun on me and take in the fresh air over my lunch hour walk.”
“Yes! I get to track my lifting progress at the gym tonight and see if I can top my personal best.
“Yes! I get to relish that afternoon nap!”
With so many decisions, it’s easy to suffer decision fatigue, or obsess over making the right ones all the time. Mark puts it simply, “You expend untold energy maintaining that “no” resistance. Forget the suffering and sacrifice.”
Stop Saying No, Start Saying Yes! [Mark’s Daily Apple]
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