How to become happier and live longer!
by Scott Gayton BHSc, Dip ExSc. ADF PTI
There are many areas that we could look at in regards to personal development. However, what I have discovered through research and extensive study is that personal health development is the most important area which a person should start to enhance which will inturn provide a framework on which to develop other areas of ones life.
The first issue that I wish to address is the common situation that surrounds us all. Today we are consistently bombarded with so much technical information and “quick” fixes that we loose track of the basics and we also loose a sense of control. As a result we can become complacent and take for granted the basic gifts of which have been given to us for free. Because they are given to us for free we place little value on them and fail to place effort into these areas until they are taken away or there is a potential that they are taken away. We need to get back to basics, and develop our body and our mind so that we can withstand any external circumstances that the world presents.
The three most important things which I have identified which will enhance your health and wellbeing is firstly, Move More, secondly, develop and Adequate Eating Plan and thirdly, adopt a Disciplined Approach.
Move more!
Today we are moving 20% than what we did in 1980. This equates to about 10 Km per day. As a consequence we have lost functional capacity. We loose the capacity to carry out tasks of daily living and start to lead a sedentary lifestyle. We now have a global epidemic of overweight and stressed people where we have not yet recognised that there is no quick fix and that the changes that you have to make will not come from outside but from within.
George Bernard Shaw warned us that “Man does not cease to play because grows old, man grows old because he ceases to play”. This loss in function capacity means a lot more than becoming overweight. We loose the ability to play and have fun with others or our family. Your energy for life will erode away and your quality of lives will dramatically deteriorate. The choice is yours. We need to switch off the TV, adopt a more active lifestyle. Get out and see the beauty that surrounds you. It doesn’t mean that you have to run marathons or swim oceans. Its just a conscious effort to take to opportunity to move, go for a walk on the beach or a swim in a pool or down the beach, retain capasity.
The second health discipline that we need to adopt is an adequate eating plan. By this I am not referring to diets. Simply we need to balance what we eat with our lifestyles. Most people are consuming far too many calories for the amount of activity that they are doing. What is even worse is the time of the day when they are consuming then. For example, most people begin there eating small at either breakfast or at mid morning or lunch. As the day goes on so does the amount of food they consume. Unfortunately for most, their activity levels as the day goes on deteriorate. Thus we have this large amount of calories, which is sitting there at night after dinner and not being used. So what happens? We store it. An appropriate eating plan would start with a substantial breakfast followed by a substantial morning tea. This morning and afternoon snack will stop you from craving a large meal at night and therefore you will naturally not consume as much for dinner and cut down the calories. Cave man ate when he was hungry, so should we.
As well as eating too much, many people do not eat bad foods in moderation. There is nothing wrong with a little chocolate, too much however can lead to becoming overweight and other health implications. There are no short-term consequences to our immediate actions. Just because you eat the mars bar today will not mean anything to your health tomorrow. However, six years of eating mars bars will end up in disaster. Failure to maintain good health is just a few errors in judgement practiced daily. We have to be smarter than that and look long term. What will these errors in judgement do to me six months, six years from now?
The last and most important area that we must develop is a disciplined approach. Being a soldier in the Army I know about rules and regulations. However by disciplines I mean starting small habits and practices daily with these health disciplines. Don’t try to take on something that is too big, for example running everyday or eating five meals per day. Start by walking around the block or buying and apple. Is it that simple as buying an apple? Yes, where else would you begin but with the basics.
To assist us with starting these disciplines we need to set goals. Goals allow us to become inspired and give us direction. A boat without a clear route will end up on the rock. Similarly, we need to set small achievable goals. Many people do not set goals, why? They figure this, if I don’t set goals then I will not have to experience the feelings of failure if I don’t achieve there goals, so they do not set goals and lead a very average life. The pain of a few disciplines now is not nearly as bad as the pain of regret later on. Life is brief, life is fragile. Whatever health disciplines you are going to start get at it. Don’t let the seasons pass away. One of the best things about these disciplines is the way it builds s self-esteem self worth. You gain confidence in yourself from achieving personal development.
Finally, it is not too late! You have within you the capacity to change or get better at what ever you do. Current literature and research tell me that age is no longer an excuse or barrier. Only by choice can you not do anything about developing your health, mental or spiritual capacity. The past is something that we can’t do anything about but the present we own. We are in charge of our lives, it is up to you to start with these small simple habits and guarantee, the early returns of these habits will ensure that you keep them for the rest of your life.
If you would like any further information on any of the topics covered or on other areas of health and wellbeing please call me. I am also able to assist with home fitness and strength programs and personal training.
To your health and success,
Scott Gayton