If I had a penny for every time a nutritionist said (including myself!), “you are what you eat”, I could fly to the moon and back. While it’s true you are what you eat (and of course, what you absorb), YOU ARE ALSO LIKE THE PEOPLE you hang out with most. For example:
Studies prove if you hang out with people who eat junk food and don’t exercise, you are likely to do the same
Studies prove if you are fit and healthy, you are likely to socialize with fit and healthy people. Just check out www.sciencedaily.com for references to these type of studies
Same thing goes with couples. Married couples who play together, exercise together, eat together — STAY together. Makes sense though doesn’t it? If you have similar healthy habits, then you have a very positive effect on each other
The same goes with negativity. Negative thoughts and actions are like an infectious disease. Have you ever noticed how some people energize you and some drain you? This afternoon I went to the St. Lawrence market and then for tea with my good friend and fellow nutritionist Elaine. We had a great time girl-gabbing about everything from cooking to what we were doing this weekend. We parted ways and I was still in a joyous mood. Believe me, I’ve experienced the opposite too. In the past, a girlfriend of mine would complain about her boyfriend 24/7 yet she wouldn’t do a darn thing about it! It drove me bonkers to the point of me not wanting to spend time with her anymore because she was always complaining. Now, I’m not saying that you should avoid every friend or family member that’s going through a tough time because I’ve done my share of confiding in friends when things weren’t going so well, but evaluate these relationships and decide who truly energizes you and who zaps you.
Some inspiration to help you if you are in a negative rut:
My friend Michelle and co-creator of EAT WELL FEEL WELL is one such person that I love to hang out with! Her energy is contagious and the reason I tell you about her is because she wrote an article about 10 ways to overcome negative thoughts. You will enjoy her article here, she’s a health and wellness writer for AOL’s thatsfit.ca: http://www.thatsfit.ca/2010/04/09/10-tips-to-help-overcome-negative-thoughts/
As well, here’s an article I wrote a while ago on 3 questions to ask yourself to evaluate your current relationships – do they bring you joy or misery? More here: http://www.thatsfit.ca/2010/01/08/evaluate-your-relationships-and-surround-yourself-with-people-wh/
4 thoughts on “You Are Who You Hang Out With. Surround Yourself With Positive Ppl!”
What a great point! I remember telling my husband before we were married that I could tell when he’d been spending time with his (one in particular) immature friend even when he didn’t tell me. He didn’t believe me right away, but over time he realized he was a much better person away from this one friend and I realize it with certain friends of mine too.
Also, I have a question for you. I’m really looking at taking a holistic nutrition course in the future, but it will have to be by correspondence. What kind of things do I need to look for in a school?
Thanks for your comment Heidi. Please feel free to email me at joy(at) joyoushealth.ca and I can suggest some good schools.
Cheers,
joy
Hey Joyous, great observation(s) thanks for posting this article. Will definitely read Michelle’s post. I think humour is also so important. The ability to laugh help prevent the stress effect in your life.
Love this site!
Kevin
Thanks Kevin! So glad you are enJOYing my posts. Thanks for writing.
Joy