If you feel stressed out far too often, you are not alone. From the pressures of rising living costs, a tough job market, or a situation involving a loved one, there can be any number of stressors on an individual that contribute to a chronic state of stress and anxiety. To minimize far-reaching consequences, it’s critical to actively develop and maintain positive, healthy stress management habits like the ones below.

If you like the idea of convenient, time-efficient, inexpensive “do anywhere” workouts -- and don’t require one-on-one guidance -- a fitness app might be for you. Apps are excellent for those jammed for time, those with a limited budget or no gym access, those wanting to take their workouts to the next level, or those too intimidated to train with others.

The #1 reason why you haven’t seen the results you desire today isn’t because you haven’t done what has worked for John or Sally, it’s because you haven’t been consistent with what you have tried in the past. Often when we try to do everything at once, we end up doing nothing well.

A balanced plate (and diet) can go a long way in helping you achieve your weight-loss or health-related goals. But what does a balance plate look like? Do you know how much carbs, protein, veggies and healthy fats you should have on your plate? And if you do have an idea, how do you measure that without looking like a food-obsessed freak?!

Instead of spending max effort attempting to alter habits that won’t drastically change your health status - how frustrating and demoralizing - pinpoint your linchpin and BNB (biggest negative bang) habits. The more an eating regimen disrupts your current linchpin and BNB habits, the more impact the change will have.

Ok, so you want to lose a few pounds, feel better, have your clothes fit more comfortably and maybe move around a little easier (like going up a flight of stairs without running out of breath or being able to run for the bus if needed). I am a firm believer that living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t need to be so difficult. Small changes over time, done repetitively, will lead to huge results. However, there are 3 key things that you need to do to lose the weight, keep it off and live a healthier life.

There is a common, often fear-based, misconception that you have to be a particular “type” of person to meditate; if "I got a dime" every time someone said something like, "I can’t get my mind to shut up — I would be the worst at meditation." If you can hear yourself uttering such words, run — don’t walk — towards a meditation practice. Typically, the more impossible meditation feels, the greater the body’s need.

Summer is here in full force — which is fantastic — but it can wreak havoc on a healthy lifestyle; it is easy to consistently overindulge while sitting on the dock, sharing meals with friends and family, playing games, or curling up watching a movie. One or two indulgences can be healthy –— mindfully sharing food with loved ones is a healthy part of a balanced life. The trick is to learn strategies to allow your current self to feel joy and to cultivate positive memories — while still ensuring a happy and proud “future self.”

My current pet peeve is the restaurant salad. Too many of us are fooled into believing that just because something is called a salad it is the healthy choice. Do NOT be fooled—the salad is too often a perfect example of what I call an “unhealthy healthy” food—sneaky foods that seem healthy but that end up stealthily sabotaging progress! Unhealthy healthy foods—unlike ice cream—tend to slide under the radar and inadvertently sabotage progress.

Falling is not only normal - we are all human - but when managed it can actually be a positive!

I fall - and I am proud of it! In fact, I usually tell my clients all about my falls - so both of us can learn and grow through my experiences. For example, I used to buy a box of fudge ice-cream treats each week or so. At the store I would say “I will only have one every few days.” False. By the end of the night I had usually consumed all of them. So, now I know. I cannot have fudge bars in the house. I set myself up for success - I buy a box and leave them at my mom’s. When I want one I go and visit her. This is a win/win - I get to see her and have a yummy treat.

All experiences are opportunities for growth and learning. To paraphrase Brené Brown, a woman I respect immensely, the only people who don’t fall are the ones not stepping into the arena of life.