Summertime brings an enhanced sense of energy and motivation for shedding extra pounds. But too often people focus  solely on the physical effort to lose weight and overlook the emotional and mental exercises they can add to their routines.

"We tend to starve or overwork our bodies when the weather's warmer to look good," says Dr. Jo Anne White, a Cherry Hill, N.J.-based lifestyle expert and published author. Unless we work out our brains, the emotional and mental overload is still there. Stress about achieving any goal, like losing weight, doesn't just disappear. We have to take mental action. Your body doesn't have to be the only one on a weight-loss program." According to White, "the mind wants to be hot and healthy, too!"

In her latest national book release, Emotional Wellness III, she describes how to "create personal mastery." "Applying five principles will train your brain. You'll feel lighter from the inside as your mind changes you on the outside," White says.

The following is an excerpt from her program entitled, "VAMOS! Train Your Brain for Greatness."

V = Vision. Using vision means using imagination to guide you ahead. Use the brain's innate visualization power to fuel the pathway.

A = Acceptance. Peoples' thoughts about themselves contribute to their physical self and to self-esteem. Letting go of these old and limiting beliefs is challenging but not impossible.

M = Motivation. Nothing drives a need for action like a solid dose of motivation. Becoming inspired increases energy and jump-starts people into action.

O = Optimism. Thoughts and emotions are energy. Energy is a direct result of what people think. People need to fire it up to become more physically fit and to achieve any goal they set.

S = Strategy. People often need to break those mental habits that interfere with achieving their goals. If their goal is to lose weight each year, and last year's plan didn't quite 'stick,' they have to shift their thoughts and change their strategy.

In the book, White offers tips and tools to shed mind-interference and use imagination to achieve any desired goal.