Reduce Stress and Weight Control Like Maria Shriver

One thing that you just have to do all year long if you want to control your weight or drop a few pounds successfully is to move your body.

That's not to say I encourage people to exercise like a maniac...or like they do on The Biggest Loser television show!

What I mean is literally MOVE...a little bit more.

Studies show that by getting moderate amounts of exercise it is easier to control our weight, our moods tend to be better, we crave carbs less, our energy levels are higher, we can focus better...all good things.

So if moving our bodies is such a good thing, why does it seem that we don't do it?

We don't put ourselves first...heck, often we don't put ourselves fourth or fifth...we're lucky to find ourselves on our priority list at all!

Most of us, at least most women I know, were raised to put everyone else first...that to focus on your own needs was selfish.

The truth is, by focusing on our own needs we have more energy to give to others.

Lest you think you just don't have the time in the day to add one more thing, it is important to know that we don't have to be totally consumed with ourselves...taking care of ourselves doesn't have to take hours out of our day.

I recommend a combined body movement and affirmation routine that takes just 15 minutes. It has worked wonders for me, emotionally, spiritually, and physically!

Maria Shriver, (you know...wife of "Ahnold", and the First Lady of California) has a goal of setting aside 5 minutes each morning that is just for her. She also works in some other physical activities as do I...maybe a quick walk, or doing breathing exercises.

Exercise has gotten a bad rap--it isn't about high school PE...it is about being healthy by getting enough oxygen into your bloodstream so your heart, brain, and other organs all function well...it is about reducing your stress levels.

Take a few minutes for yourself...it might not make you the First Lady of California...but you do deserve to be the First Lady of your own home!