Weight Loss Drugs vs. Bariatric Surgery – Which is Right For You?
If you’re trying to lose weight and finding it difficult, you may have considered taking medications or undergoing bariatric surgery. Both of these... read more
7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life and Be Your Best Self
It’s easy to find things we don’t like about ourselves. Instead of focusing on our strengths, we constantly fixate on our weaknesses:
I’ll never be good enough at… [my job, playing sports, speaking in public, etc.]
If only I was a better… [wife, husband, parent, etc.]
My life would be so much nicer if I could… [lose weight, put on more muscle, eat healthier, etc.]
Sound familiar? We’re all guilty! It’s common for humans to seek out new ways to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Unfortunately, there’s no shortcut to becoming the best version of yourself. Self-improvement takes time and effort, and what works for one person may not work for you. The good news is, there’s no right or wrong way to make changes — the important thing is to take action!
This September, give yourself permission to slow down and focus on living your best life. Celebrate National Self-Improvement Month with 7 tips to ignite your confidence and boost your self-esteem:
Get Organized
Let’s face it — life can feel overwhelming sometimes. We’re pulled in a million different directions, always trying to be stronger, faster and more efficient. The funny thing is, research actually shows we’re less competent when we try to do too much at once.
Adding structure and organization to your daily routine can help you focus on one thing at a time. Make a meal plan, grocery list, or jot your goals down in a journal. Rearrange your workspace or tidy up your bedroom. You’ll also save time, energy, and money by developing a plan of action. Divide large goals into small, actionable tasks to make your self-improvement journey feel less daunting.
Read more: The Risks and Benefits of Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
Think Positive
Did you know you can “train your brain” to redirect negative thoughts? Just ten minutes of daily meditation can lower stress levels and boost your mood. If you don’t have a lot of time or space to yourself during the workday, get creative — meditate in your car, in the bathroom, or at your desk. If noise is an issue, try putting on headphones to listen to nature sounds. You’ll feel more relaxed and less distracted throughout the day.
Head Outdoors
From soaking in vitamin D to living a more active lifestyle, spending time outside has many health benefits. Some studies also suggest outdoor activities lead to improved concentration, better mood, and lower stress levels.
Luckily, we live in an amazing part of the country — there are plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor activities in New Jersey. In Somerset, we recommend Colonial Park as a great place to have a picnic, play tennis or people-watch. In Princeton, Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is an excellent area to hike, canoe, ride bicycles or watch wildlife.
Stay Social
Self-improvement is much easier when you have people to lean on for support. Spend time with friends, family, or a support group to hold yourself accountable to your goals. You’ll be inspired by the stories of others and feel less alone on your journey toward becoming a better you. And remember, there’s no shame in asking for help — try to put your pride aside and accept support from loved ones in times of need.
Read more: Chronic Pain after Hernia Repair
Eat Healthy
We only get one body in a lifetime, so it’s important to treat yours with the respect and dignity it deserves! A healthy diet and consistent exercise are optimal methods of self-care. Make it a priority to plan your meals, portion out snacks for the week, and commit to a regular workout schedule. If you have a hard time staying on track, ask a friend or co-worker to be your accountability buddy.
Reach New Heights
Self-improvement doesn’t always mean you have to pick up a new hobby, or train to learn a new skill. You can improve your life by focusing on doing what you already do, but better. For example, instead of exercising for 30 minutes a day, you can increase your workout to 45 minutes a day. The key is to start small and work your way up.
You can apply the same philosophy to your personal life — be a better friend by committing to one coffee date per month, or work on your parenting by setting aside a few hours per week to read to your child or help with homework. No matter what you do, each small change will make a big difference in the long-term.
Bariatric Surgery
The pressure to lose weight can be an overwhelming burden for many people. Obesity affects more than just our physical health — it changes the way we view ourselves, as well as the relationships we have with others.
The good news is, the struggle to lose weight isn’t a burden you have to carry alone. There are experts who can help. State-of-the-art technology and medical research have made it possible for anyone to lose weight and live a longer, healthier life.
Here at Advanced Surgical and Bariatrics, our supportive team of weight loss experts can provide you with the tools you need to be the best version of yourself. Non-surgical weight loss procedures such as gastric balloons and endoscopic sleeves can help you shed pounds, add years to your life, and improve your outlook on life.
Ready to learn more about weight loss surgery in New Jersey? Contact us to schedule an appointment today! Bariatric surgeons are ready to assist you at our offices in Somerset, Marlboro, Hillsborough and Princeton.
Dr. Ragui Sadek is a premier surgeon who established a state-of-the-art and one of the safest bariatric surgery programs in the state. Dr. Sadek has fellowship training in both laparoscopic/bariatric surgery and surgical trauma/critical care, allowing him to safely perform complex surgeries on patients who have been turned down by other practices. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of surgery at RWJ Medical School & the Director of bariatric surgery program at RWJ University Hospital, Dr. Sadek offers a cutting-edge range of laparoscopic, robotic, & bariatric surgical procedures with a complication rate substantially below the national average.
Dr. Sadek is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Having performed more than three thousand advanced surgical procedures, Dr. Sadek has established a strong patient satisfaction rate and a solid reputation among the surgical community and is renowned as a top physician in his field by International Association of Healthcare Professionals. As a board-certified surgeon, he holds affiliations with the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society of American Gastro Endoscopic Surgeons. More about Dr. Sadek
News, Research & More
Stay current with Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics of New Jersey
