Sweating it out now to shine bright later
Former US president John F Kennedy wrote, “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” True, fitness is not a destination; it is a way of life.
There was a time when wellness came naturally to us. It was instinctive and an intuitive need of the body and we lived it. As sedentary lifestyle set in, most of us became lackadaisical about keeping fit due to our grinding work schedules and household responsibilities. In this scenario, food habits and exercise regime went for a toss.
Yet today, we are more into health and fitness than ever before.
How we live our young age has far-reaching consequences on our physical and mental health in later years. To care for our loved ones, we need to be in good shape. This means eating well, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular exercise and doing things we enjoy.
Starting on the path to better health can be overwhelming. The thought of making a big change in diet and exercise may seem drastic and fanciful, particularly if we try to tackle them all at once. But like any journey of radical growth, all it takes to get going is just one step. We need not indulge in hectic workouts but need to follow long-term sustainable diet and a regular fitness routine.
Walking is one of the most effective ways to exercise. It can help lower the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Try to integrate yoga in the routine. From yoga comes creativity, productivity and positivity, the soul is awakened.
They say you become what you eat. Let meals be plate perfect. Cut cravings, stick to regular and small meals. Snack on fresh fruits, vegetables and foods high in omega-3. Avoid saturated fats. Boost fluid intake. Go for juices and lime drinks. Get back to the roots. Health starts from the kitchen so spices such as pepper, cinnamon, clove and parsley are immunity boosters and healing herbs. Choosing seasonal and local products over frozen versions is another way to be nutrition savvy.
Wash away stress and strain, trial and tribulations of low phases of life with a good session of laughter or indulge in an activity that soothes or makes you happy. Mind your spiritual needs and overcome your fears by confronting them. Bounce back with enhanced self-esteem.
Improve sleep hygiene and resolve to keep a regular sleep pattern. Shut off electronic gadgets and avoid eating food close to bedtime.
A holistic lifestyle is the drug that holds the key to health. A healthy body and soul mantra is to fall in love with taking care of yourself. Keep in check the four pillars of lifestyle: Nutrition, exercise, stress and sleep. If these four are on track, you hold the capacity to heal any disease from obesity to diabetes.
As American author Tony Robbins says, “It is not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, it’s what we do consistently.”
So sweat now and shine later.
KEEP IN CHECK THE FOUR PILLARS OF LIFESTYLE: NUTRITION, EXERCISE, STRESS AND SLEEP