Something on many of our minds is the question, "How do I move forward in managing my health?" This question seems to be on my mind more and more often as I pass through middle -age.
For me, this involves tweaks and all-out changes to the way I do every aspect of my life. Thus far, the changes I have made are helping me to feel better and enjoy life more. More often than I like to admit, I have to talk myself out of succumbing to temptations. Things that weren't even on my radar when I was younger are important now. Had I realized the degree to which the cumulative effect of everyday choices affect us, I probably would have been more mindful sooner.
So, what have I done that makes me generally more content, more happy, more healthy overall? It is a combination of disciplines. Discipline felt like a bad word when I was younger, but now I see its importance in every aspect of life. We don't always feel like doing the things we should. I will give you an example: I know that I should be exercising just now because it is the best point in my day for it, but I would much rather snuggle up with a book. I start to rationalize why I should do what I want to as opposed to what I should do. This is where I stop and ask myself, "Do I want to skip exercise because I am fatigued or injured, or do I just want to be lazy? If I am injured, can I still get exercise by modifying my routine? If I am fatigued, to what degree? Will exercising now energize me or sap me?" Most of the time , I don't have an excuse I should accept, so I have to exercise my will as well as my body. This is also true when I am tempted to snack, to overeat, to spend too much time online or in front of the TV. I know I will feel better and have more energy if I am productive.
On the subject of productive use of time, I have learned that self-care and maintaining relationships with friends and family are productive time expenditure. I have realized that although the results are not visual, they are incredibly important. Yes, there is great satisfaction in looking and seeing cleanliness and organization after doing housework, but achieving results everyone can see should not be my sole motivation. I also need to remember that sometimes, rest is the best use of my time. Without it, I will have less energy and ability to concentrate on all of the things I actively do.
Another area of life in which results aren't obvious to others and sometimes I may not feel they are obvious to me is spiritual life. This is probably the most frequently neglected dimension of being human, but certainly the most important. Our spiritual life is part of everything we do, think, and say if we are mindful of it. Making ourselves mindful of it begins with prayer and meditation. We have to be very deliberate about taking time out from everything else to connect to our source. Connecting to God in the morning is as important to our spirit as plugging our cell phone into the charger in a regular basis. If we don't stop and refocus on what is truly important, who we truly are, we can lose track of the most important dimensions of our identity.
On the physical front, we need to be aware of our bodies' responses and needs. Rather than trying to put off seeing a doctor about an issue until it is a near emergency, we need to inform our physicians of changes in our health and seek their guidance. I have found that most doctors are open to conservative and non-drug treatment if I speak up and tell them it is my preference. I have had doctors give me suggestions for herbal remedies to manage health issues. They don't offer them if you don't ask, though.
Diet is another word that takes on a negative connotation for many of us, but if we get the right perspective on it, it can be a source of joy. Diet simply means, the foods I eat. Many of us are not regimented enough in this area. Once I know what elements I want or don't want in my regimen, I am free to discover delicious ways to get the nutrients I need. I enjoy cooking and learning new ways to make foods that look appetizing and taste delicious as well as satisfying my hunger. A little planning and a trip to the import spice shop gives me plenty of options for tasty food.
Our progress in these areas will make us stronger and more content in life.
Here's to a wonderful year moving forward!
For me, this involves tweaks and all-out changes to the way I do every aspect of my life. Thus far, the changes I have made are helping me to feel better and enjoy life more. More often than I like to admit, I have to talk myself out of succumbing to temptations. Things that weren't even on my radar when I was younger are important now. Had I realized the degree to which the cumulative effect of everyday choices affect us, I probably would have been more mindful sooner.
So, what have I done that makes me generally more content, more happy, more healthy overall? It is a combination of disciplines. Discipline felt like a bad word when I was younger, but now I see its importance in every aspect of life. We don't always feel like doing the things we should. I will give you an example: I know that I should be exercising just now because it is the best point in my day for it, but I would much rather snuggle up with a book. I start to rationalize why I should do what I want to as opposed to what I should do. This is where I stop and ask myself, "Do I want to skip exercise because I am fatigued or injured, or do I just want to be lazy? If I am injured, can I still get exercise by modifying my routine? If I am fatigued, to what degree? Will exercising now energize me or sap me?" Most of the time , I don't have an excuse I should accept, so I have to exercise my will as well as my body. This is also true when I am tempted to snack, to overeat, to spend too much time online or in front of the TV. I know I will feel better and have more energy if I am productive.
On the subject of productive use of time, I have learned that self-care and maintaining relationships with friends and family are productive time expenditure. I have realized that although the results are not visual, they are incredibly important. Yes, there is great satisfaction in looking and seeing cleanliness and organization after doing housework, but achieving results everyone can see should not be my sole motivation. I also need to remember that sometimes, rest is the best use of my time. Without it, I will have less energy and ability to concentrate on all of the things I actively do.
Another area of life in which results aren't obvious to others and sometimes I may not feel they are obvious to me is spiritual life. This is probably the most frequently neglected dimension of being human, but certainly the most important. Our spiritual life is part of everything we do, think, and say if we are mindful of it. Making ourselves mindful of it begins with prayer and meditation. We have to be very deliberate about taking time out from everything else to connect to our source. Connecting to God in the morning is as important to our spirit as plugging our cell phone into the charger in a regular basis. If we don't stop and refocus on what is truly important, who we truly are, we can lose track of the most important dimensions of our identity.
On the physical front, we need to be aware of our bodies' responses and needs. Rather than trying to put off seeing a doctor about an issue until it is a near emergency, we need to inform our physicians of changes in our health and seek their guidance. I have found that most doctors are open to conservative and non-drug treatment if I speak up and tell them it is my preference. I have had doctors give me suggestions for herbal remedies to manage health issues. They don't offer them if you don't ask, though.
Diet is another word that takes on a negative connotation for many of us, but if we get the right perspective on it, it can be a source of joy. Diet simply means, the foods I eat. Many of us are not regimented enough in this area. Once I know what elements I want or don't want in my regimen, I am free to discover delicious ways to get the nutrients I need. I enjoy cooking and learning new ways to make foods that look appetizing and taste delicious as well as satisfying my hunger. A little planning and a trip to the import spice shop gives me plenty of options for tasty food.
Our progress in these areas will make us stronger and more content in life.
Here's to a wonderful year moving forward!
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