10 suggestions for loving yourself

How often do you think about your body?

For 10 million Americans, the simple task of looking in the mirror can be a loathsome experience.

This week is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, and out of respect for the mental illness with the highest mortality rate, I am asking you to reflect on ways to improve your body image.

The National Eating Disorders Association Suggests Ten Steps to a Positive Body Image:

1. Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you --running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.

2. Keep a top-10 list of things you like about yourself -- things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about you.

3. Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.

4. Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you -- as a whole person.

5. Surround yourself with positive people. It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself just as you naturally are.

6. Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person. You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.

7.Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work with your body, not against it.

8. Become a critical viewer of social and media messages. Pay attention to images, slogans, or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Protest these messages: write a letter to the advertiser or talk back to the image or message.

9. Do something nice for yourself -- something that lets your body know you appreciate it. Take a bubble bath, make time for a nap, find a peaceful place outside to relax.

10. Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others. Sometimes reaching out to other people can help you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change in our world.

www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Empowerment Tip 15: Empower your SPIRIT...by getting outside!

It’s that time of year again! When the weather warms up and the sunshine causes an epidemic of spring fever. I know all I want to do this time of year is be outside and soak up the sun like Cheryl Crow.

Unfortunately most of us have jobs, classes and responsibilities that hinder our ability to get outside.

So why not plan ahead for outdoors time?

Just like you make plans for spring break and the fourth of July; why not plan ahead to get out, have some fun and soak up a little more vitamin D this spring?

As a student and employee, I find it really hard to think of what I want to do with my downtime. I’m always looking for activities or events that incorporate the things I enjoy doing, and events that force me to participate and be group oriented.

The more I thought about exploration and downtime the more Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Pursuits program came to mind.

The OP program at Campus Recreation is created solely to give you outdoor experiences and fulfill your “adventure needs” by providing trips and clinics.

This spring there are a ton of opportunities to get outside and challenge yourself physically and experience new things. These trips are approaching rapidly, so don’t hesitate to get involved!

-Angelina River Trip
February 26-27
Registration Deadline: Monday, February 21
Price: $45

-White Water and the Smoky Mountains
March 12-19
Registration Deadline: Monday, March 7
Price: $375

-Inks Lake Canoeing
April 1-3
Registration Deadline: Monday, March 28
Price: $70

-Skydiving
April 9
Registration Deadline: Monday, April 4
Price: $190

-Horse Pens 40 Bouldering, Alabama
April 21-24
Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 14
Price: $150

All five of these trips have something unique to offer experientially. Although the cost of attending these trips might be steeper than you’d expect but they are all very reasonably priced and include food and transportation.

So plan ahead, and empower your spirit by exploring the outdoors. There is no-better stress reliever than spending time outside.

Life is short, plan ahead and invest in your experiences.

For more information go to:

Website: http://www.sfasu.edu/campusrec/outdoor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Livelifeoutside

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/SFA-Outdoor-Pursuits/91847212908?sk=info

Just Grindin' the ax- Liza

Don't miss NBA legends at SFA Wednesday!

Hello! I hope everyone had a great weekend and paid attention to how much money they are spending.

If you haven’t already heard the buzz about Jay Harris coming to Nacogdoches next week, let me fill you in.

Thanks to new SFA’s sports marketing professor, Mark Williams, the office of multicultural affairs, the athletic department and Campus Recreation have teamed up to put on an unbelievable event for SFA students.

Jay Harris is an NBA legend and current top ESPN anchor. He, along with NBA legends Robert Reid and Kevin Loder will be AT SFA, Wednesday, February 23.

At 3:30 p.m. Harris will be hosting a meet and greet for students in the Rec Center Meeting Room.

At 5 p.m. tailgating will begin at Lumberjack Alley in honor of Harris and the Lumberjack Basketball game. It’s ‘Stache Night so the first 100 fans get an exclusive Danny Kaspar ‘Stache t-shirt. The first 500 fans get ‘Stache rally towels and the first 1000 fans will receive free fake mustaches. If this doesn’t make sense to you take a look at SFA Basketball Head Coach, Danny Kaspar.

At 6 p.m. there will be a Pep Rally at Lumberjack Alley featuring Spirit Teams, the Roaring Buzz Saw Band and more! Jay Harris, Robert Reid, Kevin Loder and Tony Cornish Jr. WILL BE THERE to learn SFA traditions including the fight song.

At 7:00 p.m. a panel discussion will begin in the BPSC Grand Ballroom.

Featured in the event are the following incredible people:

Marc Williams

Global Sports Marketer, SFA instructor

Jay Harris

ESPN Sports Center Anchor

Robert Reid

Houston Rocket legend

Kevin Loder

NBA legend, VP of National Basketball Retired Players Association Houston Chapter

The panel discussion will be hosted by ESPN’s Tony Cornish Jr.

In other words: THIS IS HUGE FOR SFA! I am so proud to be a Lumberjack.

Just thought I’d keep you in the loop!

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Empowerment Tip #14: Empower yourself FINANCIALLY, by paying attention.

Need is reality for some people and a complaint for others. What is need?

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary need is the lack of something; a condition requiring supply or relief. Need is directly related to poverty. Wow, just let that soak in.

I consider myself far from impoverished but how often do we tell a friend how much we need money?

I think there is a real problem when we can't admit that we need guidance with our finances how we spend and where we spend.

I was eating lunch with a group of friends and were discussing how much money has changed in our lives. As a child, I saved all of my money and was reluctant to let even a dollar go to an "unworthy" cause.

But since a plastic card is the new dollar bill how much do I actually think before swiping my card at Walmart? Chili's? or Victoria's Secret?

I can't see my account, I can't see my money disappearing at the moment that card is swiped.

The real issue was pointed out by SFA junior, Martika Hamilton, when she said, "I need to prioritize more." She pointed out the reality that what she's spending isn't real to her, because she can't see it.

Money has become intangible to our society.

If you can't touch it or handle it how can you remember what you spent? There was no physical transfer of your money. The only interaction was the swipe of a card. And electronic deduction from your account, thats a scary thought.

It's not that there isn't a way to stretch your money; we just aren't paying attention to where it's being spent.

If money was a picture it would be a collage of education, transportation, family, health, food, bills, everything. These are what money represents in our lives.

To make a long story short, consumerism is like a disease but you don't have to be a host to this disease.

Think about what you spend, consider your credit and debit card as precious as the five dollars you owned as a child. Prioritize your spending.

As a college student I realize there are events on campus all the time that I can attend to save money, yet still have fun. Almost all on campus events have free food, the movies on campus only cost a dollar and if I'm really looking to make some money this summer why not invest in the lifeguard program at the Student Rec Center. The possibilities are almost endless.

There are numerous other examples of potential activities at:

http://www.sfasu.edu/308.asp

http://www.sfasu.edu/campusrec/83.asp

Explore your financial possibilities!

Just grindin' the ax- Liza

Become a Campus Rec Lifeguard!

Wow! There is nothing like a snow day in East Texas! I apologize for Friday’s lack of Empowerment Tip. I assume that your day off of school (and work in some cases) was as pleasant as mine.

It’s been snowing in Nacogdoches but once that summer heat hits there’s no turning back. Due to the recent highly apparent decline in temperature, the thought of summer probably hasn’t yet crossed your mind. I wanted to remind you that it is coming, and now’s the time to prepare for it.

If you’re taking classes and staying in Nac this summer, you might be stressing about finding a place to work. Ideally you picture a social job that is flexible with your school schedule, right?

Have you ever thought about becoming a lifeguard? Maybe you have but quickly brushed it aside thinking you weren’t qualified.

That’s the great thing about your Student Rec Center here at SFA. You may not currently be qualified for a position, but Campus Rec wants to help get you there by developing your professional skills.

Friday, February 11 Campus Rec Aquatics is offering an interest meeting that will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a lifeguard. They will make sure you are aware of the trainings that will be offered this semester so when the summer comes, you’ll be ready to jump in. Literally.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to walk outside and NOT have to scrape ice off of my windshield. I thought it wasn’t supposed to snow in Texas!

Have a great rest of the week and make sure to attend the Campus Rec Lifeguard Interest Meeting Friday, February 11 at 5 p.m. in the Rec Center Meeting Room.

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Steel away and Pack in, with Campus Rec this Sunday.

What kind of fan are you?

A Pittsburgh Steelers kind of fan?

Or a Green Bay Packers kind of fan?

If you don’t already know who your team is, this is definitely the time decide. Because Four days from now the epic super bowl battle will commence.

This year the annual super bowl will be held in Dallas, Texas. The Steelers and Packers will compete for American football glory and considering the Steelers have appeared three times in the past six years, this will be quite a battle for the Packers.

As for me, I can’t really say I know who I’m rooting for. I’ll probably be looking to see whose jerseys look the best that day.

Luckily the super bowl is one of those events where the entire country sits down on a Sunday evening and is drawn into a football game. Whether you are a dedicated football viewer or someone who watches other people watch football, the super bowl is an all-inclusive event. There is the football for fans, and the advertisements for those of us poser fans.

Needless to say it has become more than a sporting event, it is an experience.

With that having been said, you should know that the two SFA super powers will be joining forces Feb. 6, 2011 for the American super bowl experience.

Campus Recreation and Student Activities Association (SAA) will be hosting a super bowl party at 5:30 in the Student Recreation Center. There will be food, drinks, games and prizes.

So come enjoy an American pastime with us and get excited for this years kickoff!

Just Grindin’ the Ax- Liza