Health Psychology- feed back discussion
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Everyone has a different health issue that they struggle with. Often it is weight, smoking, or poor workout schedules. I have struggled with all three and must be diligent in not falling back into negative patterns.
For example, I have lost 130 pounds over the past 3 years, and 50 of that since having our newest baby. Lowering my body weight into a healthy BMI range of course is important and I have always known the benefits, however it took a long time before I was able to make changes to bring me to success. One of those things was being compliant with my dietitian and food changes. When I follow my diet I maintain my weight and when I do not I begin to gain weight, feel tired, and the introduction of sugar makes me grumpy. I do not enjoy those feelings, and having a physical reaction to sugar and fried food gives me a positive reinforcement to avoid those behaviors. Changing my fast food options when I am on the run, creating patterned behavior that set me up for success like meal prepping, and staying accountable with my family help me stay on track.
I was a smoker for nine years, and I attempted to change my behaviors with medical intervention of using Chantix. The support group was not effective for me as the dynamics of the group were not monitored and I felt as though I should not be there. I was able to quit on my own by changing my social network and my hobbies. Instead of spending time with people who would typically BBQ and having beers and smoke- a common habit that is forged together- I made a new friend with a new neighbor who had just moved in and we would go hiking on the weekends. I also enlisted the help of my now husband who quit with me as a team effort. It is still an activity I enjoy, and I have been smoke free for 5 years! It is still difficult but again having a social network and enjoying the positive reinforcement of having more money and less health complications helps me continue to be an ex-smoker.
Third has been my lack of exercise. I have had times in my life where I have spent consistent time running, doing yoga, kickboxing, and deep-water aerobics. However, this has never be fully sustainable. I have needed to take breaks because of my workload, school work, family responsibility, and being injured. For this I used my own thought process to challenge my thinking with the help of my therapist. I viewed working out as a punishment for food choices instead of a reward and positive reinforcer to continue eating well. We also reformulated the way I thought about my time spent at the gym. I have always felt that I “don’t have time”, but I challenge myself to consider what is important to me and to create time and a schedule that will allow me to work out. I also felt as though it were selfish of me to neglect my family, but again I challenge myself to view the time I spend on myself as an example for my family to also take the time for themselves because they too are individuals worthy of self-care. It has been a invaluable experience and I now consistently lift weights for two hours three days a week. I know that it was be helpful as I age, but that doesn’t keep me there. What keeps me returning is the knowledge that I am setting a good example which is important to me, and the confidence I get as well as the social circle I have built there.
P.S: resond has to be made in your own words!!!!!
