It’s the ultimate goal, to live a long healthy, enjoyable life where we have a good balance in our physical, social, psychological and emotional health. We want to feel good about ourselves, content, but unfortunately this is a tricky balance to achieve, and sustain.
In the modern society we live in we are stressed juggling work, social and family commitments with pressure on us from all angles which can lead to burn out. It seems sometimes, if the scales are tipped off their fine balancing point, it will all come crashing down around us. If you can get back on track, it seems almost inevitable that it Is likely to happen again. So, think of the next 5 suggestions as a loose framework to adapt to suit you and your life, in making some changes to the intensions in how you want to live day-to-day. Accumulated over time these will form new habits, will change your perception of how you approach challenges and make them opportunities, to lead a more active, healthy, fulfilling life.
1. Move more
Try to see the opportunity in daily life to kill two birds with one stone and incorporate movement into everyday situations. There is a wealth of research to show the benefits of any type, or amount, of movement improves your social, physical and mental wellbeing. This could be done by parking further way from the supermarket doors, playing with the kids, getting off the bus a stop earlier, using a standing desk, an online 5-10 minute yoga routine, cycling to the pub, meeting a friend for a run, playing a family game of rounders/cricket/ frizbee/ hide and seek or going to a new activity club. The options are endless.
2. Have your own time – find nature
With so much going on in our lives, it is easy to close down and have tunnel vision, just doing what we need to do, going from one thing to another like a robot. Getting out in a green space, whether that’s a garden, park, woods, field or on the beach, it helps you feel connected to nature and creates more space in your mind. What I find most powerful is the time and space this gives me to reflect, collect my thoughts and then act on them with refreshed vigor. Everyone will have their preferred space to do this, but as long as you can find some time to yourself to switch off, even if it is 5 minutes, it will pay off.
3. Better fuelling
Food and drink is vital for human survival but it is important to be aware of what we put into our bodies will affect what we get out. You do not put diesel into a petrol car. There is so much information, most conflicting, on the best diets and healthiest nutritional regimes to be on but in truth everyone is different in what they like and need. Although physiologically, we may be similar, emotionally and psychologically we all vary in our relationships with food and drink. So, one size doesn’t fit all. A very broad intension would be to eat less processed food (manufactured), eat less often (have a period of fasting in your day, normally overnight of 12 hours), drink more water with less caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, eat less meat, and more veg with a greater variety in pulses and natural foods. Simple intensions but often overlooked in their benefits.
4. Switch it off
With the digital world so ingrained within our work, social and leisure time, the day-to-day seems almost impossible to comprehend without our phones/computers. However, why not try leaving the phone upstairs whilst your downstairs or in the garden? Why not switch the TV off and pick up a book, cook, chat to your partner/ house mate, listen to music on an LP/Tape/CD. Go old school, switch off and break that tie to the digital world. This gives you more head space and links to suggestion number 2 with great effect.
5. Sleep
It is natures best recovery tool, you do not need protein shakes, supplements, compression leggings, expensive convoluted ways to rejuvenate yourself. The fifth intension is to go to bed earlier, nap and lie in when you can. Improve your sleep hygiene by buying an eye mask, pop in some ear plugs, switch your phone on silent (or off), do anything and everything possible to get as many quality ZZZs in as you can. There is no substitute, or anything better, than a good quality night’s sleep. Try it - you won’t be disappointed.
By fostering our relationships with sleep, food, nature, movement and other humans we stand to gain a lot by only implementing a few intensions to live by. It’s a good start, however, if you want more professional guidance in becoming healthier, fitter or to improve your sporting performance then please contact lee@thrivesouthwest.co.uk or book online via the website for a free consultation. We can discuss how engaging in 1:2:1 personal training, strength & conditioning or soft tissue therapy will benefit you in achieving your aspirations of a healthier life.