8 Ways To Lose Weight That Have Nothing To Do With Food

If you're having a hard time losing weight, you might want to consider switching things up. Dieting often goes hand-in-hand with weight loss, but strict diets are not the only way to shed excess weight.

Take a peek at these simple yet powerful ideas:

1. Make time to play.

Having a childlike mindset and allowing yourself to be playful every day (even if it's just for five minutes) is extremely beneficial to weight loss. When we let go of stress and responsibilities by laughing, goofing around, and truly having fun, we're less likely to turn to food and overeating to find pleasure. Playing gives us a powerful endorphin rush unlike anything else!

Next time you're by the park, pull over and go on the swings for a few minutes. Cuddling with your partner? Turn it into a funny wrestling match. Mold something with clay, or grab one of those adult coloring books. Hanging out with friends? Play a game together!

2. Look at your screens less.

The more time you spend scrolling through your phone, the less likely you are to get up and be active. It's much easier to stay on the couch with a bag of chips than it is to get up and go for a walk outside.

Along with that, if you're constantly checking out what other people are doing, eating, wearing, and experiencing, you may feel overwhelming jealousy in comparing yourself. That attitude can lead you straight to the kitchen cupboards, ending in weight gain.

Give yourself a designated time when you're off technology each day (and stick to it!).

3. Try dry brushing.

Dry brushing helps to unclog pores to get rid of toxins more easily (so they do not get stuck in the skin). It helps to cleanse your body inside and out, and gives you an energizing sensation. When you feel good, you're more likely to eat foods that make you continue to feel great throughout the day. Want more on dry brushing? Here's a step-by-step guide.

4. Create something.

Find a hobby that you're passionate about, something that allows you to get inspired and feel creative. Not sure what could work for you? Think outside the box: dancing, rock climbing, journaling, decorating, fashion, animals, volunteering, writing jokes, planning an event, or sewing!

5. Eliminate negative self-talk.

Take an inventory of your day-to-day mindset around food and your body. If you are constantly overwhelmed with body shame, embarrassment, and guilt, then it may be time to slowly unwind those voices until a neutral or positive voice takes over.

Do your best to love and appreciate your body right now. Practice this by hearing the negative voice and interrupting it with a thought like, "I am deserving of love," or "My body deserves to feel amazing!" When you give love and respect to your body it will start to feel safe and at ease. Your body will treat you how you treat it.

6. Find a way to cope with stress.

Tragic, unexpected events occur in our lives. Small, annoying situations arise as well. Allow yourself to cope with these situations in a productive way. Do your best to figure out what you need, and take time to make sure you get it. When you're taking care of yourself, your body takes care of you (and in turn gets rid of excess weight more easily).

7. Get enough sleep.

You've heard this before, but seriously, get quality sleep, and as much of it as you can. Sleep helps you maintain a fit and healthy body. It gives you the energy you need for a productive day.

Sleep deprived? Start simple with going to bed 20 minutes earlier, or set out everything you need for the following day the night before and sleep in 20 minutes later. Instead of three snooze-alarm resets, let yourself do one (snoozing only makes you feel MORE groggy!). Sleep deprivation is a form of stress. When your body's stressed, as mentioned previously, it will make it much harder to lose weight.

8. Start earthing.

This simple concept is to get outside every day and touch the earth in some way. You could set your bare feet down in the yard, touch a tree, lie in the grass, swim in the ocean, or hold a leaf. It might sound silly, but it can provide you with a feeling of nourishment and peace. The longer you do this, the more beneficial it will be.

How does this help with weight loss? It gives you a moment to pause, to just be. When you’re present more often, you aren’t as likely to make impulsive decisions around food that leave you feeling sluggish.

Photo courtesy of Stocksy
by Abby Hutcheson
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-23386/8-ways-to-lose-weight-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-food.html