If you’re determined to make healthier food choices and manage your weight, there’s one morning activity you need to avoid – reading your horoscope. According to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, if your horoscope predicts a stressful day, the lingering effects can make it difficult to resist unhealthy foods and stick to your diet plan.
The research, conducted by a team from Johns Hopkins University and the University of South Carolina, aimed to study the influence a horoscope might have on an individual’s decisions. Participants were given an unfavorable horoscope and then asked to choose between indulging in a party or completing useful chores, such as house cleaning. The unfavorable horoscope generally led people to believe they needed to attend the party to combat negative thoughts induced by the horoscope.
This study highlights how an unfavorable horoscope can deplete the willpower and mental resources needed to stay committed to healthy eating habits, leading to the temptation of junk food and partying. However, there was one exception. Those who believed their fate was fixed and couldn’t be changed were more likely to accept the horoscope’s prediction as an unavoidable consequence. Surprisingly, these individuals did not spend time worrying about the predictions and had less difficulty sticking to their diet resolutions.
The authors of the study noted, “Conventional wisdom might suggest that for people who believe they can change their fate, an unfavorable horoscope should result in an attempt to improve their fate. Our results showed that reading an unfavorable horoscope actually has the opposite effect on a person.”
Overall, the study suggests axing horoscopes from your morning routine and focusing on positively setting yourself up for the day.
Breaking the Horoscope Habit
If you’re worried that your horoscope reading might be negatively impacting your health journey, try these simple alternatives to create a positive start to your day:
- Practice mindfulness meditation: Start the day with a brief mindfulness meditation to clear your mind and focus on the present. This practice can help reduce stress and foster better decision-making throughout the day. Check out some helpful guided meditations here.
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Write or review your goals: Writing down your health and wellness goals in the morning can strengthen your motivation and inspire you to make better choices throughout the day.
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Create a morning routine: Establishing a consistent morning routine can help you feel more in control of your fate and prepare you to make healthier choices. You can try a combination of activities like stretching, journaling, or enjoying a nourishing breakfast.
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Surround yourself with positive affirmations: Positive statements or affirmations can help foster optimism and put you in a better mindset for the day ahead. Create a personal affirmation or choose from a collection of positive affirmation cards for daily inspiration.
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Connect with others: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for encouragement throughout your weight loss journey. A strong support system can empower you to make better choices and offer advice in times of struggle.
The Power of Your Mindset
It’s essential to recognize that negative thoughts, no matter their source, can impede your progress on your health and wellness journey. Keeping a positive mindset can not only motivate you to make better choices but also increase your likelihood of achieving your goals.
One study published in Psychological Science revealed that having a more positive outlook on getting older can lead to a longer life. These findings show the power our thoughts can have on our overall health and wellbeing.
Remember, you are in control of your fate, and it is up to you to make the choices that will help you reach your health and wellness goals. Evicting negative thoughts and setting a positive intention for each day will make it easier to resist temptations and remain committed to your journey.
In conclusion, if you’re serious about maintaining a healthier lifestyle and achieving your weight loss goals, it might be best to skip the horoscope and start the day with mindfulness, positivity, and motivation. By putting yourself in the right mindset, you’re much more likely to stay on track and make the choices that will lead to success.
