Written By Kerri DeZutter
Have you ever known of a hockey or a football team that did not have a coach and proceed to a grand final? Or a ship to set sail and not make changes in direction before arriving at its final destination?
Life is full of direction changes. We need to avoid obstacles or hazards, just like the sailing ship and we need guidance like the hockey/football teams. These changes in direction can be small or they can be large. The smaller changes are the easiest as the large changes generally come with an emotional transition also.
Looking Ahead
Inevitably, we hit a point in our life where we’re able to start saving money for our retirement. This plan usually includes talking to an advisor and creating a road map for money and setting goals. If you’re married, I’m sure a conversation on retirement and finances has happened. We work hard at this because it’s important and I don’t know anyone who wants to work their whole life.
What about our health? Have you ever sat down with anyone (besides your doctor) to talk about a game plan for how you can invest in your health?
If no, why not? Isn’t our health just as, if not more important than our financial health? If you don’t believe me, go visit a nursing home or a long term care facility and ask yourself, is this how you really want to spend the last third of your life?
How to change the pendulum to good health? I’m not suggesting you need to make a 180-degree turn in your lifestyle. I’m suggesting to make some small changes. Manageable changes. Adapting to lifestyle changes can be hard. Especially if you’re not sure where to start. Making changes to improve your health can be done one step at a time, one week at a time.
Now, imagine for a moment, that you started this week with 1 healthy choice and did so each week after. Sounds manageable, right? Well, in 1 year you would have adopted 52 new healthy practices. Now that is cause to celebrate! Imagine how you would feel in 3 or 4 years from now continuing on that path…
Below are some suggestions for you to consider. But I believe talking to a healthcare provider or a fitness professional is invaluable in creating a plan for your health. Remember how a coach can get a team to the grand final? Well, our health and exercise coaches are able to see things that we can’t and they help guide us along our journey.
Having the right support that can help us navigate through these changes is key.
There is so much information out there about nutrition, fitness and overall health. It can be confusing and overwhelming. Who do you trust? Where and how do you start? Are you looking at things that are just “fads” or will they actually help you improve your health and your life?
How to invest in your health today
Identifying your why is important. Then determining how to go from conversation to action is the next step.Once you have written down your motivating reason, following these steps can help steer you toward things that you can do to invest in your health today.
- Go for a walk – Exercise daily (even if it’s 10 minutes at a time). Break up your day with short bursts of activity. Getting out and going for a walk will not only help clear your mind, reduce work stress, but it will also get the blood flowing. Sitting for long periods of time is hard on your body.
- Drink water regularly – Chronic dehydration is real for many people. We often confuse hunger pains for being thirsty. If you’re feeling hungry and it’s the wrong time of day. Drink a glass of water and if you still feel hungry after 10 minutes, grab a snack like an apple or carrots. Having something to crunch on that’s higher in fibre will fill you up and leave you feeling satisfied.
- Sleep – There are many aspects to a good night’s rest. If you can, set a bedtime schedule for yourself. Buy an alarm clock and keep your phone and other electronics out of your room. Avoid eating 3 hours before you go to bed. This gives your body a chance to digest that last meal of the day.
- Create a community for yourself – It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. If you have a hobby, try looking for a group of like-minded people in your area (if you can’t find one and have the time – make one). Having a strong/positive social network is another key to a healthy lifestyle.
- Unbusy your life – If you’re constantly going from dawn until dusk and are feeling overwhelmed by day to day of life, take a hard look at your schedule. Time management is really important for a healthy life. Be sure to make time for yourself and what truly matters most in your life (like being in good health, being happy and doing things you enjoy doing).
- Mindful eating – Try to slow down when you’re eating. It takes time for your stomach to tell your brain it’s full. By slowing down, you’re allowing your body time to send signals to your brain.
Investing in your health doesn’t require a massive life makeover. Small changes are going to be sustainable and will make a huge difference. Kind of like building for retirement. Be kind to yourself, look for the positive in all that you do. Remember doing something towards a healthier lifestyle is better than nothing. You want to be able to enjoy the last third of your life, as healthy as you can be. Just like investing for retirement financially, you’re investing in your health the same way.
