John Aaron Wellness

"Consult not your fears, but your hopes and dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you have tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do." - Pope John XXIII How many times has someone told you to "look on the bright side," or "think positive?" If you've been a consistent reader of my blog I know you've heard it from me at least once... Recently however, I've been on the receiving end and I'm grateful for it. Last week I did one of the most difficult things I've had to do: close Muscle Mechanics personal training studio permanently. Am I sad? Scared? Depressed? Well - yes, but this is where I put my words and philosophy to the test. I can choose to give into those negative emotions or I can "look on the bright side." Which decision do you think will change my life for the better? Pollyanna Complex aside, don't get me w...

Today I want to write about dreams. Not the kind you have while sleeping, but the kind that really get you excited about life! The dreams you have for yourself, your family, the world. Personally, I live by the little dreams of love, success, hope and happiness that float around in my head. I assume that all humanity has similar “floaty” dreams and goals. Fantasies of achieving something great are part of the spirit that drives each of us forward. They start with the tiniest seed of an idea, and like children, you love them because somehow they are a part of you. You nurture and grow these ideas and as they grow so do your hopes.   But, what happens when these ideas, through no fault of your own, fall apart? Heartbreak is what. You may even become bitter about the very thing you once loved so dearly. Maybe that “perfect” job you’ve worked for all your life didn’t pan out, or perhaps you have an argument with a loved one and this makes you feel like giving up. You ...

I was watching my daughter the other day. She was supposed to be putting up the toys she left scattered in her bedroom. Instead, she was in her papa’s study eyeballing a candy jar sitting on a high shelf. Laser focused cannot begin to describe her standing catatonic. It was as though she thought if she moved, the jar would run from her. I watched. I waited. She took a deep sigh and turned to make her way into the hall where I was standing. A little surprised, she looked up at me and said, “I wasn’t going to get that candy.” I laughed. She smiled wryly and made her way to her awaiting chores. Have you ever gotten the feeling that you should be doing something other than what you are? I don't just mean in the area of good vs. evil, but in everyday life. Conscience is a funny thing, huh?. That little voice inside your head that can make you feel guilty about doing a half-hearted job, ignoring the rules, or neglecting your duty... Well, listening to her conscience was just what...

There's no doubt about it; your body and mind are directly linked. What you think about has a clear effect on your health and vice versa. In fact, there’s a fascinating study that suggests that the mind-body connection is quite powerful. Publishing their findings in the online journal Health Psychology, researchers at Yale University focused on ghrelin levels in the body to determine how thoughts affect the body's response to food. Ghrelin is also known as the "hunger" hormone. It sends a signal to your brain that makes you want to eat. If your body's ghrelin levels are high, you'll tend to overeat... even if you are already feeling full. Likewise, low ghrelin levels are associated with feelings of satiety and not needing to eat more. Typically, ghrelin levels increase before meals and decrease after eating. The researchers recruited volunteers and divided them into two groups: Group 1 - received a milkshake that they were told was a 620-calorie ...

You've had a rough day and the only thing that could possibly help you feel better is a tub of ice cream. Or so you think. In actuality, there’s a little voice inside your head that says, “Hey you! Gorging yourself on double-dutch chocolate chip ice cream isn't going to do you any good right now or in the future.” I know… I’ve been guilty of strangling that little voice to silence, too. We all know that while in the comfort of your own home, it's easy to eat whatever you want whenever you want. And, being human, giving into these urges on occasion can be psychologically beneficial. However, it is extremely important to learn to identify what causes you to eat unhealthy foods or unhealthy amounts of food. That would be the first step in the process of modifying your behavior when you are confronted with your “comfort food” trigger. If coming home from work is usually followed by an hour on the couch, with a large bag of Dorito’s chips in hand, then perhaps it’s time to re-co...

In my closet I have a cardboard treasure box of notes and momentos from significant people and moments in my life. Sad to say, they are mostly from people I have lost to death. These people have had a positive impact on me and this is how I honor and remember them. This week, I had to add an obituary of a dear friend of mine to that treasure box. I know that death and loss are natural parts of life, but knowing this does not make the loss, or the grief, any less painful. In fact, I was surprised by just how much the news of Michael’s death affected me. After all, I hadn’t seen him in several years. But regardless, the friendship he gave me made me a better man. For that, I am grateful and cannot help but miss him. Regardless of whether a death is anticipated or a complete surprise, shock often hits you when a loved one passes. Then, immediately following your loss, accepting the fact that your loved one has indeed passed away is a hard pill to swallow. After someone you love die...