Is Fat a feeling?

Often times we hear "I feel fat today." I (Millie) tend to find this comment interesting since the word "fat" is actually an adjective, rather than a human emotion. It would be similar to saying "I feel purple today" or "I feel smooth today". So what are people trying to express when they make the statement, "I feel fat"? Often when people are feeling stressed, out of control with their lives, depressed, insecure, to name just a few feelings, some people start to focus on themselves and their appearance. So instead of saying, "I'm feeling stressed out", they focus on their phyisical beings. Why? Sometimes its easier to focus on something concrete rather than something abstract and out of your control.

Do you find that you are making similar comments?
Here are some suggestions to help you "break the habit":
1. Take out the judgment. Focus on how your body actually feels. For example, "my jeans feel a little tighter", or "I feel physically uncomfortable". This approach takes the judgment out of "feel fat" and connects you to what your body is actually experiencing.
2. Check yourself. In other words, what are emotionally feeling right now? Since "fat" isn't an emotion, maybe its insecurity, worry, stress, or sadness. Try to focus more on labeling your emotions, rather than judging your body.

How to handle Your Teens Undeveloped Brain

Did you know that although your teen looks physically older, he or she actually won’t complete brain development until their early or mid twenties? This is true. The frontal lobes are the last parts of the brain to be finalized in their development. This area is responsible for judgment, decision making and planning among other things, which explains why teens have a difficult time realizing consequences of their actions, and understanding how their decisions may impact their life in 5-10-20 years. So how do you help your teen get through these years without making a “huge” mistake?

Here are some suggestions:
1. Be open, interested and understanding in their point of view and their experience.
2. Don’t be critical or judgmental.
3. Ask questions to help them think through things.
4. Allow them to make mistakes. This is the only way they will learn. And then talk with them
about other ways they could have handled the situation.

Cell Phone Overload

Today, cell phones serve more than one purpose. They are game consoles, walkmans (aka iPods), mini-computers, internet and email servers, cameras, photo and video libraries, calendars, and the list goes on. All of these services theoretically are supposed to make life easier, however, they can result in loss of social skills, increased irritation (to you and the people you are with), increased isolation and depression. NBC reported on a study in china that found teens who spent more than 10 hours on the internet were 1.5 times more likely to be depressed. Although more needs to be studied in regards to this issue, it still raises some concern about technology.

Here are some ideas on how to become less “controlled” by technology, and more in-tuned with your life:
Cell Free Zones: create a space in your house or a time in your day (or both) that is free of cell phone calls, texts, emails, alerts. Use this time to read a book, go for a walk, enjoy a conversation with a person sitting right across from you.
Take a “mini-vacation” from your cellular device. In Colorado, the mountains help you take care of that because reception is inconsistent. Many people report that they are more rested and less stressed after a weekend or a long vacation if they did not have access to their cell phone, Blackberries, or iPhones.
No Interruptions: Have you ever been talking with a friend over coffee, when your friend suddenly picks up the phone and starts texting or starts talking on the phone, while giving you the “hold on a minute, this person is more important than you” sign? Have you been guilty of this? Unless it is an emergency, and lets be honest, it rarely is, its rude to answer calls and text other people while you are spending time with someone else, even if its family. This behavior also keeps you from being able to fully enjoy the time with the other person. So next time you are out with someone, atleast put it on silent or vibrate, so you can give your full attention, and make the other person feel like you actually want to spend time with him/her.