Get ready for some excitement!
I know that sometimes it's easy to look at physical health as a chore, but I promise, it doesn't have to be! It's not difficult to make it fun, as long as you have a basic idea of what you enjoy.
Physical health can involve many different categories, but I'll focus on two here: exercise and diet. No, I don't mean 'lose a bunch of weight' diet.
These two things might seem daunting, but once you find your flow, I know you'll look forward to this part of your self-investment. The key is to know what lights you up without you even realizing it.
For example: I've taken countless fitness classes, including kickboxing, HIIT, crossfit, yoga, and Zumba. Each one of these has brought me some sort of joy, especially upon completion. I've felt better physically and mentally, but the process of actually getting into my car and performing in the actual class has been more like pulling teeth. Besides yoga, I don't feel comfortable exerting myself in a way that makes me feel like upchucking my lunch on the mats(which isn't uncommon, I'm told). Of these classes, I've enjoyed the slow, flowy pace of yoga the most. But it wasn't until my friend sold me on a fitness program that included dance classes that I realized this was where my power move lived.
Nothing brought me more joy than a choreographed dance. Mastering the steps and discovering the new ways my body could move kept a cheesy grin on my face the entire time, even if sometimes I couldn't keep up. This was my fitness niche.
Maybe your niche doesn't make you smile like a borderline psychopath, but I'm willing to bet you're not creating excuses to skip once you discover what yours is.
And who knows what lights you up! Maybe you're into running, losing yourself in your breath and the sound of your feet against the pavement. Perhaps a weight-lifting session burns off the frustration from your day. Participating in a 5k might give you physical and mental benefits, especially if you're running with friends or attempting an obstacle course where you get to prove that you can actually climb a wall using only a rope and sheer force of will. Taking a brisk walk through your neighborhood has so many benefits, and maybe you'll even come up with some landscape design ideas on the way!
The possibilities are endless! Don't be afraid to try different things until you find something you look forward to each and every time!
When you develop a healthy relationship with movement, the impact will be evident, sometimes immediately! Here are some benefits from consistent physical activity:
Enhanced mood
Less brain fog
Increase in energy
Reduction in chronic disease(especially with a loss of inflammation!)
Healthier skin
Better sleep
But most of your physical investment should be focused on your diet. It's no joke that the majority of your health lies in the food choices you make and that exercise doesn't matter if you neglect this!
Before you jump on a trendy bandwagon, it's important to know how your body responds to different foods and their chemical makeup.
It wasn't until recently that I realized nearly any intake of refined sugar and gluten caused my body, specifically my heart and my brain, to go haywire. I had to learn to cut out the comforting snacks and the quick-grab meals like sandwiches, in order to help my body function to its fullest potential. Be sure to pay attention to how your body AND your mind feel after indulging in, YES, everything you eat.
You might find it helpful to keep a log for a little while to keep track of what you eat and how you feel throughout each day.
Before you roll your eyes and discard the idea as 'too much', remember that you're investing in the whole package that is YOU, and this includes what you're feeding your cells.
Now grab a notebook and start writing down your food and your moods.
Moderation is key, and that pertains to every type of food, whether it's broccoli or blueberries. Don't overdo it and always pay attention to the way your body responds. If you find yourself crashing and reaching for another cup of coffee in the afternoon, perhaps you need to adjust something in your breakfast or lunch. Notice where your energy fluctuates and learn which parts of the day you need to eat heavier or lighter than others.
Focus on getting a proper amount of protein, healthy fats and carbs, and remember to eat the rainbow!
Something I discovered about myself since changing up my diet is that I LOVE making my own sauces and dressings!(Considering the store bought versions of both of these contain lots of sugar)
Even better, my daughter responds well to them too, so I know I'm properly fueling both of us.
Pull out your wireless speaker and throw on some upbeat music that you can sing and dance to and get to experimenting in your kitchen! You might be surprised by how much you enjoy creating a meal that serves your body physically(and also mentally by default!). Food is medicine and your body will always reap the rewards of proper 'medication'.
Oh, you're curious to know exactly which benefits your body will receive when you fuel it with food? Here's a couple, just to get you started:
Enhanced mood
Less brain fog, more focus and clarity
Boosted energy without the aid of caffeine
Clearer skin
Loss of inflammation(and FYI, inflammation leads to a multitude of disease)
Better sleep
Did you notice something about the benefits of both healthy movement and proper diet? They're pretty much the same exact thing! Can you imagine the absolute powerhouse of a human you'll be when you begin investing in your physical health? The possibilities are endless, especially once you add in next week's topic, your mental health! I can't wait to share more of this magic with you!
Let me know what you discover about yourself during your physical self-investment! What kind of exercise is your favorite? Which recipes are your go-to feel good? Let's share and learn!