Happy Valentines Day from the Obesity Action Coalition’s (OAC) Your Weight Matters Campaign!
Every February, messages of love and romance saturate our lives. From the clothing store to the grocery store, we’re surrounded by images of flower bouquets, heart-shaped chocolates and other perfect gifts. They’re intended to give to someone we love and care about, like a spouse, romantic partner or child.
But what if this Valentine’s Day, we focused on someone a little different? What if we chose to spend some time focusing on ourselves?
Learning to Love Yourself through Weight Management
Weight is a sensitive subject to talk about, and it can be difficult to face if you’re not comfortable in your own skin. Sometimes, weight is simply a taboo subject – and we’re taught that our bodies are never good enough for the society we live in.
Culture plays a large role in shaping those perceptions, and even if we hate to admit it, most of us are products of our culture in some way or another.
So, this Valentines Day, why not take the time to go against the grain and celebrate yourself instead? Love and relationships are about long-term commitment, and isn’t your journey with health supposed to last a lifetime?
Self-love, respect and care are crucial for succeeding on any serious journey – the weight management journey included. You can love your body and what it’s designed to do, even while striving for improved weight and health.
But how do you do that when appreciating your body, with all its perceived flaws, is typically discouraged?
- Tune-in to the Journey – You’re learning that your weight matters for your health, and you’re making constructive lifestyle changes to reach your goals. All the progress you’ve made, no matter where you’re at, is reason enough to celebrate.
- Make Time for Self-care – It doesn’t have to be a spa day or a long vacation. It can be a haircut, a decent nap or even time set aside to by yourself some groceries. Just make sure you’re doing something constructive for your mental and physical health.
- Monitor Your Health – Make regular appointments with your healthcare team to stay up-to-date on your body and be proactive, not reactive, about your overall health.
- Trim Your “To-do” List – If you find yourself struggling to find personal time amidst your busy schedule, it might be time to take a load off your plate. Learn to say “no” when you need to, and eliminate the extra stress if it’s optional to do so.
- Make Healthy Choices for Your Body – Exercise regularly, set aside time for sleep and eat a diet rich with whole, lean and nutritious goods.
So, this Valentines Day, remember that YOU deserve love, respect and self-care. You matter! Treat your body and mind the way you would for someone else, and you’ll be setting yourself up for long-term weight management success.
