A Mountain to Climb
One of the most daunting tasks in life can be trying to live a healthy
lifestyle. At least 10 times a day you will read or hear about how good it
is for you. Even with all of that positive reinforcement, just the thought
of trying to go to the gym regularly, eat healthier portioned food and then
take the time to relax can seem like a chore. So what do you do to try to
get on course and "do the right thing" when it comes to improving your
health and fitness?
It's Like Money in the Bank
Living a healthier lifestyle is much easier if you can reposition the
benefits of improving your body and think of it as an investment. Just like
looking at retirement and seeing how much money you want to save for your
future; look at your health in the same light. A well funded retirement
takes initial planning and the discipline to put money away for a future
good time. The health of your body follows the same principles. Exercising
and eating better puts "health credits" into your "body bank" ensuring that
when you are ready to retire, you'll feel good and have a body that can
take you where you want to go.
Start With a Simple Plan
Just like retirement takes planning, good health requires a blueprint that
you can follow. It will also take an attitude adjustment as well. Saying to
yourself "I am worth taking the time to feel better now and be better in
the future" is an important shift in your attitude. Once you can see it's
important to live a healthy lifestyle, then making the time for it will be
easier. So for a simple plan suggestion, set aside 3 hours a week that are
devoted to increasing the "health credits" in your "body bank." Think of it
this way; 3 hours a week is less than 30 minutes a day. Commit to this 3
hours a week for 6 months.
Take Baby Steps
Once your plan is in place, implement it with baby steps. If you make your
goals too lofty or your program too tough, you will quit within 60 to 90
days. You have committed to spending 3 hours a week in search of healthier
pursuits. Now give yourself the freedom to break up those 3 hours anyway
you want. Maybe one day you go on a 45 minute walk; the next day you can
lift weights at the gym for 20 minutes and so on. You and your body will get
the idea of flexibility and variety rather than repetition. This makes your
time seem less like a chore while being much more enjoyable.
Don't Try to Do it Alone
Only the most committed and disciplined can change health habits all by
themselves. At the beginning, take the time to get good advice from a
health and fitness professional. Spending this time and money now will put
you on the fast track to success and accomplishment. Consider joining some
classes or groups in your endeavor to be healthier. Yoga, Tai Chi, spin,
step and other classes are a great way to meet like minded people. Also
look for a fitness partner who can help you stay committed and motivated
while making the time more enjoyable.
