Mind, Body and Soul
How do we define health for ourselves?
Is it the fit couple at the gym that works out 5 times a week? The co-worker who is always on a diet? Maybe a relative who is a strict vegetarian?
The answer is, there is no right answer. It is not a every size fits all type of definition. You have to define what "health" is for yourself. Figure out what your values are. We all know what doctors and nutritionists say is "healthy", but the person with the lowest body fat and who does not eat red meat might be crumbling inside emotionally. Fear and anxiety might pull the person who hits the gym five times a week to a standing halt during the work day. There seems to be a correlation between emotional health and physical wellness. How many famous examples do we know like this? Many athletes we know are the best at their team sport physically, but have substance abuse problems or psychological issues. Look at Oprah. Perfect example of someone who is smart, articulate, works on her emotional and spiritual self in every way possible and is extremely giving and compassionate, but she cannot shake the weight/food yo-yo.
Exercise for me is my best defense for emotional health and luckily for me it tends to my physical health as well. Running and boxing are two of my favorites. If I have not worked out in 3 days, you best believe I am moody, easily irritated and tired. The endorphins released during exercise give me more energy and boost my mood. Its not about weight, clothes fitting or a number on the scale. It is also not perfect. It is just about feeling good on many levels. Sometimes if you go at it from that perspective instead of a number, a dress size or how many calories you plan to burn, you will find it is more pleasurable, more sustaining and will grow larger outcomes in many ways.
Being emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually healthy is a balance and one of great practice! Some days everything gels together well for us and some days you screw up on one or multiple levels. And that's OK too! We are human and everyday is a new day. A new day to start over. Be gentle to yourself. You need not beat yourself up. Find out what works for you and what makes you feel good on all levels and tend to each level of health the best you can.
Hungry for more? Here are some articles I found that prove the link between emotional and physical wellness. Enjoy!
http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/connecting-dots.aspx
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/13499/1/The-Benefits-of-a-Healthy-Emotional-and-Physical-Lifestyle.html
Is it the fit couple at the gym that works out 5 times a week? The co-worker who is always on a diet? Maybe a relative who is a strict vegetarian?
The answer is, there is no right answer. It is not a every size fits all type of definition. You have to define what "health" is for yourself. Figure out what your values are. We all know what doctors and nutritionists say is "healthy", but the person with the lowest body fat and who does not eat red meat might be crumbling inside emotionally. Fear and anxiety might pull the person who hits the gym five times a week to a standing halt during the work day. There seems to be a correlation between emotional health and physical wellness. How many famous examples do we know like this? Many athletes we know are the best at their team sport physically, but have substance abuse problems or psychological issues. Look at Oprah. Perfect example of someone who is smart, articulate, works on her emotional and spiritual self in every way possible and is extremely giving and compassionate, but she cannot shake the weight/food yo-yo.
Exercise for me is my best defense for emotional health and luckily for me it tends to my physical health as well. Running and boxing are two of my favorites. If I have not worked out in 3 days, you best believe I am moody, easily irritated and tired. The endorphins released during exercise give me more energy and boost my mood. Its not about weight, clothes fitting or a number on the scale. It is also not perfect. It is just about feeling good on many levels. Sometimes if you go at it from that perspective instead of a number, a dress size or how many calories you plan to burn, you will find it is more pleasurable, more sustaining and will grow larger outcomes in many ways.
Being emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually healthy is a balance and one of great practice! Some days everything gels together well for us and some days you screw up on one or multiple levels. And that's OK too! We are human and everyday is a new day. A new day to start over. Be gentle to yourself. You need not beat yourself up. Find out what works for you and what makes you feel good on all levels and tend to each level of health the best you can.
Hungry for more? Here are some articles I found that prove the link between emotional and physical wellness. Enjoy!
http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/connecting-dots.aspx
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/13499/1/The-Benefits-of-a-Healthy-Emotional-and-Physical-Lifestyle.html
Labels: Inspiration
posted by Christine @ Monday, June 29, 2015
2 Comments
2 Comments:
I wholeheartedly agree that a healthy lifestyle means different things to different people, as it should. We all have our unique needs physically, emotionally and spiritually. It definitely takes personal reflection and an adventurous spirit to try and see what fits!
Agreed! Let's be gentle to ourselves. Thank you for your comments.
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