Issue 4 April 2006

Sanity Saver#: 6 Invest in Your Health

Most of us take our bodies for granted. We burn the proverbial candle at both ends. We throw down fast food, only move when absolutely necessary and expect that there won’t be any consequences to our neglect. But there are. Maybe not immediately, especially if you’re in your 20s or 30s (when you still have a warranty on your body), but sooner or later it’s going to expire and your disregard for your health is going to catch up with you.

Your physical health is fundamental. Your body is the vehicle through which you express yourself and your life. When something’s wrong with your body, when you’re in pain or feeling out of sorts, you can bet that everything else in your life is affected. Your health needs to be one of your top priorities.

Caring for your body is critical to living a high quality life. When you’re in a state of optimal health just about everything else in your life is better. But like everything else, this requires effort. For those of you who have ignored your body, now’s the time to rediscover it. Here are a few suggestions for how to create optimal health.

Too many of us don’t think about our health until something happens, like a physical ailment that forces us to pay attention.

If You Listened to Your Body
If you listened to your body what would you do differently?

Would you get more sleep? Cut out sugar? Would you exercise regularly and make time for a nap? Take some time to listen and heed the wisdom of your precious body.

Consider for a moment how different your life would be if you slept when you were tired, ate when you were hungry, and stopped eating when you were full. What would happen if you paid attention to the foods you wanted to eat and also honored what your body needed? What impact would listening to your body have on your life?

Tuning into your body will not only bring a greater sense of physical, mental and emotional well-being, but it can also support you in breaking habits that often undermine your health. Your body has it’s own wisdom. It is a wise teacher. Listen to your body. Become attuned to its changing needs.

What am I Eating?
List at least five foods you’d like to add to your diet.
1._________________________
2._________________________
3._________________________
4._________________________
5._________________________

Now consider what foods you would like to eliminate or reduce? Again list at least five foods.
1._________________________
2._________________________
3._________________________
4._________________________
5._________________________

Make a commitment to exchange one food you’d like to eliminate from your diet and substitute a healthier food over the next few weeks. As most of us know, radical changes simply result in the ricochet effect, so take small steps. Start by eliminating one unhealthy food this week and add something that would improve your diet.

What Is My Hidden Hunger?
Ask yourself what is the deeper hunger that I’m trying to fill with this food and is there a better way for me to satisfy myself?

As you begin to listen to yourself at this level you can choose a healthier alternative—either a better food or a nurturing activity.