Behavioral Tip for Aug 27, 2012

An unbalanced lifestyle often leads to negative coping strategies such   as skipping meals, overeating, smoking, spending too much money,   watching a lot of television, drinking too much, etc. Such strategies   are an attempt to restore balance by giving in to a moment of   indulgence. A balanced lifestyle promotes self-fulfillment and the   desire to eat healthy, exercise regularly, have time for socializing,   have time for relaxation, etc.

You can assess your lifestyle by tracking your activities for a week or   two. Then examine your list and rate your activities on the degree of   enjoyment or stress that each activity provides. Next, determine the   number of activities you have to do, but do not enjoy. Then determine   the number of activities you want to do for pleasure. If you have more   unpleasant, “have to do,” activities, you may need to focus on creating a   balance in your lifestyle. Doing things that make you happy, can   strengthen your ability to stick to your program and enjoy weight loss   success.