How to Add Sweetness to Your Life
Now that we have gotten rid of our friend Sugar, what can we do to add sweetness to your life? The first step is to use sugar alternatives in our foods. Next week there is a post on Sugar Alternatives to find ways to add sweetness to your food without using refined sugar.
The second step is to consume other things to add sweetness to your life with your primary foods. That starts with the question, “What do you love to do?”
What do You Love to Do?
Hobbies
How about a craft. I love to crochet. About 2 or 3 times a month I work on one crochet project. It is relaxing and monotonous and something I can do while also watching a movie or series with my husband.
Do you have a favorite craft that you can enjoy during those times when you need something sweet in your life? Do you color, stamp, knit, draw, leatherwork, metalwork, or ride a motorcycle? I follow one amazing lady that does a lot of construction work. Makes a bed frame, little play kitchen for her kids, or garden box. This could be any hobby that you enjoy.
Movement
Next is movement. Yes, I enjoy my daily walk and weight lifting 3 times a week but this is adding movement beyond what you do for fitness. I often dance. Generally, it is combined with drying and putting away dishes or when my coffee is brewing. I might dance when I wipe off the kitchen counters and tables.
How about you? What other forms of movement do you enjoy? Maybe stretching, walking, yoga, or rebounding.
Self-Care
How about typical self-care items. I enjoy meditation. There are so many ways to meditate. You can meditate on an affirmation or just quiet your mind letting thoughts roll in and out.
You can do a guided meditation. Search on Youtube and you will find many and be able to choose one for the amount of time you have whether that is 5 minutes or 25 minutes.
What are some other typical self-care items you like to do or would like to try? How about a bath, massage, or sauna.
Connection
Finally, I want to mention things that make you feel loved. My favorite is asking for a hug from my husband or kids. Maybe you’re alone and don’t get hugs but need them. Ask a friend or stranger. I know right now it’s not likely that you can stand out in the middle of a shopping area with a sign that says “free hugs.” Don’t be shy about asking your people for things you need.
What other things make you feel connected? Is it a specific song, prayer, reading, meeting friends, looking in the mirror, and telling yourself how beautiful and amazing you are?
Did you catch that last one? Do this act of self-love. You can start by looking in your eyes in the mirror. See yourself as you see a cherished friend. What would you say to that cherished friend to express how much of an impact she has had in your life?
Tell yourself out loud how wonderful and amazing you are.
Go Out and Add Sweetness to Your Life
Now write down an item from each category and put it in a place you will see it every day. Next time you get a sweet craving, have a glass of water or a cup of tea and decide to try one of these activities to sweeten your life.
You don’t have to remove refined sugar from your life alone. Join us in the Kick Sugar Cravings to the Curb Facebook Group.
