Yesterday during a fierce chase in spin class I had a realization: I am completely happy.No, everything is not perfect- there are plenty of sad and stressful things in my life. But this happiness has to do with my outlook and my actions.
Happiness really is a choice- but its more of a series of choices that bring that old saying to life.
In this post I am going to focus on the health/fitness aspect of happiness. Next to my spiritual relationship, my diet impacts me most.
1. Fall in love with exercise. I’ve been exercising more than normal. It’s not because I’m trying to lose weight; it’s because I’ve fallen in love with the thrill of a spin class, power of yoga and fun of routines at home. Now I plan workouts because they’re exciting and leave me feeling great.
2. Customize. You already know to eat healthy and you have to eat less (to lose weight), so feel free to get a little sneaky in how you do it. I always crave something cool and sweet in after dinner- and I usually make a smoothie (too many calories when I’m not even hungry) to fill that craving. So most days I will eat my carbs in the morning and afternoon, tons of veggies for lunch, fruit for snacks and then a big hearty green-protein smoothie for dinner. I get dinner and dessert in one- and it is good for me! It tastes like I’m indulging!
3. Find your balance. I never thought I could lose weight without counting calories, but I have by remembering every meal counts and I need to strive for my perfect balance. It’s a journey.
4. Flex your schedule. I’ve switched heavy dinner dates to lighter fare. Some dinner plans I’ve been able to switch to a craft project or activity (golfing, walking, biking, etc.). Don’t miss out on life, but I think you can definitely make changes when possible.
5. Be happy. When I’m happy I want to treat myself better. A tip on how to get there next post.
*Lacey‘s comment reminded me of one powerful factor: sleep! Sleep definitely helps me feel better and happier. Thanks, Lacey!
What tips do you use in your own life? How much does exercise/food impact your happiness?
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
yay! i would add to that- get enough sleep!!! i feel amazing on days that i have slept well the night before… what a difference it can make, which in turn gears you up to exercise and eat well!!!
These are great tips! I think it’s so important to find things that work for us – from exercising to eating. Too often we are so focused on following what works for others. But once we figure out what works for us (at this particular moment in our lives), things go so much better.
Love that post! Happiness is a choice. It’s amazing what a difference attitude can make. Of course, having an attitude toward healthy living will probably make you even happier.
Be happy! You got that right
It’s so much easier to be happy than it is to be negative! 
I really admire your healthy attitude about this! You’re definitely a role model for what I’m trying to achieve in my own life.
Keep it up girl!
I think for me I feel much better when I am exercising too.
I used to say I didn’t have time to work out, but if I have time to watch TV, I have time to work out!
http://www.slim-shoppin.com
Oh, I just love your posts! Happiness is truly a choice. I, too, run into those random moments where I just feel completely content and happy. I love them. If I think about it, in general this is how I feel most of the time. We just have to look past all the things that don’t matter and realize how much we truly have. You’re the best!!
You are so right! I tell people all the time, exercise should not be a chore or like torture, you need to find something you love to do that you enjoy and that works you out at the same time. Great tips! Glad you are happy
Totally agree on #3 and #5! So important! Yoga helps me a lot too, and walking.
great post
running makes me very happy and sometimes yoga can do the trick too!
Great post!
Fitting in “me” time is important – sometimes you gotta do exactly what YOU WANT to do (not anybody else!) at that moment.
I totally agree that happiness is a choice. I had a light bulb moment when I was in college, severely depressed, and going through a 1/4 life crisis – “I am responsible for my own happiness.” I say it to myself all the time!
These are good tips. I make sure to get out of the house and get active–outdoor runs are great for this! Also, I make sure to stay hydrated. Sleep is also really important
What a great list!! I agree with another commenter – get enough sleep! It does wonders!
what a great post!!!
food and exercises are so important in my life. i’m not sure if they are the reason of my happiness, but they definitely affect a lot. I found that there’s reverse relationship as well, that when I’m happy, I eat better and exercise more to increase even more my happiness!
Fabulous post.
I always feel happier and better about myself and life when I’m eating mindfully and exercising often. As for my own tips I just try to check-in to make sure that I’m enjoying the healthy lifestyle I’m making such efforts to live. If not… I mix it up a bit. Smiling is important
Great post Ashley
You are such an inspiration…thanks for the reminder that happiness is indeed a choice. We always have the power to choose!
Exercise + healthy eating hugely impacts my life. If I do both, I am SO happy. I feel great about everything else even if it’s not that great… and most importantly I feel great about myself.
That’s very cool that you are completely happy. Everyone deserves that!
I love these tips, Ashley! So true…especially customizing things – we are all so different.
It sounds cliche, but for me happiness = finding balance. Not just in eating healthy and exercising (although both go hand in hand for me big time!), but in not working too much and spending time with friends and family. And in getting plenty of sleep but staying up late every now and then, too. I tend to be an all or nothing girl, so balance is hard for me but it is so key!
Good for you with these tips! You’re right on every one of them! I would like to think I embody these values too, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t use a reminder, which is why I love when people blog on this topic. I’m pretty sure I learn by repetition, so reading these good thoughts helps me improve myself and my outlook, which often needs help. I think the biggest thing people might not realize is that happiness IS a choice! I’m trying to adopt taht as my mantra, and it really does give me a lift sometimes.
Oh and I’m obsessed with Sabra too.
This is wonderful to hear. I am happy for you, especially after reading in the past about some fo the things thatbrought you down. You have grown and deserve to smile and shine!