Happy 2019, friends! Wow - 2018 flew by!
Every year I say the coming year is going to be even better, but 2018 is going to be hard to beat! I became an auntie to my twin sisters super cute little boy, I traveled (a real week-long vaca), I passed my personal training exam and started teaching group fitness, and I got engaged. 2018 was an amazing year, and while I don’t anticipate hitting quite so many milestones in 2019, I am looking forward to growth.
I know it is almost a week into the new year, but I am still working on setting some goals that will align with where my life is right now. I look forward to sharing more about that with you. In fact, I do plan to share a reflection of what goals I set and hit in 2018 and what I’ll be focusing on in 2019. I will say, I 100% believe that if you write it down, you start the trajectory toward what you want. So whatever your goals are, you need to write them down and find a away to hold yourself accountable.
While it is ultimately up to you where you focus in 2019, I hope that you are putting some focus on your health (as I sit here eating peanut m&m’s). Okay, but really, keep reading. Today’s post is all about why you should prioritize your health and where to start. I hope this post inspires you to want to do one thing new or differently.
why prioritize your health
I feel so strongly that everyone should be prioritizing their health. We can all (myself included) make changes that help us live a healthier life, but the motivation to put in the work that is required can be pretty low. I won’t try to scare you into action (though a tour thru a few ICU’s would do the trick), I do hope this post will help you think about your why a bit differently. PS I need to make note of the fact, that bad things can and do happen to people all of the time, regardless of how well they take care of themselves. Those things are out of our control and if they are going to happen, they are going to happen. What we can control is how we treat ourselves today in an effort to prevent lifestyle related diseases and conditions. Below are nine reasons to prioritize your mental and/or physical health.
Improved self-worth. We feel good about ourselves when we take care of ourselves. When we treat our body well we feel positive, while treating ourselves in a way that we know isn’t ideal can lead to negative self-talk. While I never want guilt in the equation, just focus on how good you feel after a good workout, drinking plenty of water, or eating a nourishing meal.
Longevity. Do I need to explain this one? We don’t always think about getting older, but we should. I desire to live my life free of disease for as long as I can - the choices I make right now impact that.
Independence. Move your body within your limitations and aim to keep yourself at your current level of independence for as long as possible.
Disease prevention. Even if conditions run in your family, there is no guarantee that you get those conditions. Instead of assuming you’re going to get x disease, let it motivate you to make changes toward prevention.
Positive impact on others. If you start moving your body, exercising, working on cutting back on stress, it will rub off on loved ones, friends, and colleagues. Please don’t be one of those people that goes forcing your diet and workout routine on anyone who says hello to you. But, if you make changes, and it positively impacts your family, or you can share a great recipe with a coworker, you are planting seeds of change. (I repeat, don’t be a preacher, please).
Opportunities to support local business. From local farmers markets, to local therapists, to independent gyms - your city will thank you.
Increase energy. A no-brainer.
Better sleep. Exercise will help you feel more fatigued and fall asleep easier. Also, balancing blood sugars through a balanced diet and managing your stress and anxiety will greatly improve your sleep.
Improved digestion. Anxiety messes with digestion. Poor diet messes with digestion. Exercise can help digestion. Need I say more?
Where to start
It isn’t about energy in and energy out. The make up of what you eat matters. The frequency of when you move matters. Mental health is also insanely important. Do a little check in with yourself to figure out what area would most benefit from some changes. I have some blog posts to help you get started with small changes that have big impact. Check out my 3 steps to improved nutrition, fitness, and self-care (mental health). Getting healthy doesn’t need to mean an entire life overhaul. Start with one change. And if you are having trouble figuring out where to start. PLEASE reach out. I am here for you. I am also offering in person and virtual coaching at a variety of new times, so don’t hesitate!
