ARE YOU HURTING YOURSELF WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT?

"Oh, I would never hurt myself," you may say. "Why would I do something like that?" But then you obsess over losing that promotion, munch out on sugary snacks and party a little too often. All that lack of sleep and body-healthy fuel are enough to make someone feel a little…well…cranky. And just think - if you don't feel good (either physically or emotionally), how do you think you're treating the ones around you? If your spouse and coworkers give you a wide berth when you're around, it may be that your inner mood is affecting your environment in ways you never imagined.

Here’re some ways some of us inflict violence on ourselves and not even realize it. Good news: with a few minor changes, you can learn to support your body, rather than harm it - and bring your body and emotions back into balance.

1. Eating all the wrong foods for all the wrong reasons.
   Sure, digging into that luscious peanut butter cup ice cream is the ultimate comfort food after a long day. But have you thought about how that temporary lust satisfaction is affecting your system? Indulging in your private chocolate orgy does nothing but stimulate your adrenals, giving you an instant buzz…but causing you to crash a couple hours later (learn more about conquering your sugar cravings).
   
   The solution: When you’re stressed out, pay special attention to your type’s eating plan (learn more). If you know you have to eat something to feel better, munch on a body type-friendly snack or drink herbal tea. A few minor changes will help you rediscover sanity and keep your body in balance.
   
   
2. Beating yourself up with negative thoughts.
   Let’s face it: we all make mistakes and none of us is perfect. If you want to live for the future, you'll need the freedom that letting go can bring. If you can change your situation, take action NOW and do it (and yes, taking baby steps towards your goal is perfectly OK!). If you feel overwhelmed by stinkin' thinking, make a list of all your supposed “failures,” verbalize that you're releasing them and ceremoniously throw them into an open flame. You can even get fit while you dump your issues and work out when you're feeling blue (learn more). Why hold on to past failures when you can visualize happiness and succeed?
   
   If you want to help keep free from negativity, make a list of the positive things you did (or received) every day and focus on your success. Did your boss love your report? Put it on the list. Did you lose five pounds? Pat yourself on the back! You’ll feel your old negativity slipping away, and you’ll realize that you’re more fabulous than you ever imagined!
   
   
3. Letting anger control you
   Times of national tragedy bring one important point to the forefront: Life is too short to hold grudges. How much energy and time are you spending every day feeling cranky and resentful? Did that car cutting you off *really* make you mad? Is your mother's upcoming visit giving you hives? If you’re feeling anger toward a person or situation, bring it to your attention, discover the "other side" of the emotion, and release it. Holistic techniques like essential oils (learn more), yoga and client-focused therapy will also help you transform your anger into forgiveness.
   
   
4. Staying in unfulfilling or destructive relationships.
   Life is too short to be miserable. If you’re with a friend or partner who sucks you dry like an emotional vampire, it’s time to pull back and quickly discover your emotional escape.
   
   Some relationships are harder to let go than others. You may be entrenched in an addictive (yet comfortable) relationship. Or, you may find that you can't let go of another person no matter how hard you try. If that's the case, Vibrationals, specially formulated homeopathic essences, will help you learn the lesson you need to learn and change (or let go of) your relationship without dealing with another person's "stuff." (learn more). If your relationship is physically dangerous, contact your local police department, or make a confidential call to a crisis line. Now.
   
   
5. Using alcohol and/or a drug addiction to make yourself feel better.
   There’s a fine line between a glass of wine “to relax,” and a case of wine “to feel better.” If you’re slipping into an addiction – or you’re already there – get professional help. There are many low- or no-cost ways to get the assistance you need (sites like http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/ and http://www.na.org/ are particularly helpful). When you're able to clear your internal issues and stop hurting yourself, only then can you approach others with peace and harmony.