Dear Dr. RJ, 

The holidays are here and I made a vow to myself that I would spend more time with friends and family. There’s just one problem, I am SO busy. I feel like I’m drowning in a sea of tasks and “to-dos” and I can’t seem to keep my head above water. I really want to enjoy the people I love. What can I do? –World’s Busiest Bee

 

Dear World’s Busiest Bee,

Many people believe that being busy is a “good problem to have.” Don’t confuse busyness with productivity. If you are stressed, tired, and overwhelmed then you are too busy. Productivity on the other hand comes with feelings of excitement, energy, and hopefulness. Busyness prevents us from the ability to fully engage in life and it keeps us from awareness of everyday gifts and blessings. I urge you to stop and reexamine yourself. Explore the underlying reasons for “doing too much” and then go back to your to-do list with a renewed mindset. If not, you’ll look up and realize that you have absolutely no memory of all of the good moments and small but significant blessings gifted to you.

 

Dear Dr RJ,

I have been trying to lose weight for a long time now and nothing seems to work. These extra pounds frustrate me and although no one knows it, I hate looking at myself.

Signed,

Don’t Look at Me

 

Dear Don’t Look at Me,

I am not a weight loss expert, so first you should see your primary care physician to be sure that no medical problems exist (i.e. Thyroid). If you’ve been cleared medically, then most likely your issue is emotional. Emotions love carbs. Sadness loves sweets, boredom loves chips, feeling empty or lonely loves bread, etc. These aren’t literal comparisons but you get my point right? Emotional management will help significantly with weight management. Reduce stress. Stress triggers the hormone cortisol, and cortisol makes it nearly impossible to lose weight. Lastly, eat mindfully. When you eat ask yourself, “why am I eating this?” and keep a daily journal of what you eat, when you’re eating, and how you feel at the moment. You can do it! Just take one moment at a time.