On a daily basis we’re confronted with situations that seem entirely out of our control, especially when it comes to our health. But what are some things that ARE in our control that will continually progress us towards health?
First, what is health?
Is it the absence of disease? The absence of a diagnosis? Is it “perfect” blood pressure? “Perfect” lab work? Is it being pain-free? Medication-free?
I don’t think it’s possible to define health–it’s not a destination. It’s a never-ending journey. You’re either on a path that promotes health and longevity or not.
For the purpose of this blog, let’s assume that behaviors such as smoking, drinking heavily, extreme stress, sedentary behavior, eating processed junk foods, and negative thoughts towards self and others are detrimental to longevity–and that behaviors such as breathing exercises, green smoothies, mediation and prayer, physical exercise, fruits and vegetables, and positive affirmations promote longevity.
Related: Being Healthy Starts With the Nervous System
With all the uncontrollables that exist in the world, here are 3 Things you CAN control about your health:
1. The “Tribe” You Follow
Who do you lean on for advice relating to healthy living? Is it the vegan, paleo or keto community? Your family physician? Celebrity Instagram feeds? Your Chiropractor? 🙂 No one?
There is so much information out there it’s mind-numbing and can be confusing. Who’s right and who’s wrong?! This is where you must do your homework, find a tribe, and run with them.
This does not mean you have to run with them forever but if you’re not the one leading, then you must find someone and be willing to follow–otherwise you’ll find yourself stuck.
2. Attitude Towards Health
Your attitude regarding the journey or the process is something that is entirely under your control. Yes there are certain situations, too many to name, that may make this path more difficult for some.
It won’t always be smooth. It WILL be difficult. But is a life of more abundant health possible? Absolutely.
But you have to want it. More than anyone else. And you have to take personal responsibility for it.
3. Individual Effort
The hardest part about moving towards health is resisting temptation and taking the path of least resistance.
Those Chick-Fil-A nuggets and that extra binge-worthy Netflix series are really tempting and extremely convenient. They sound better than going to the Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning and meal-prepping, and better than being yelled at by Shaun T during a Beachbody workout. I’m with you–the former sounds way more appealing. But this is where the effort comes in.
Are you willing to put in the effort to move towards health and longevity?
What Can you do today for your health?
1 – Take inventory of where you’re at in your journey.
Be truthful and honest with yourself. Draw two columns on a sheet of paper and label the left column “Towards Health” and the right “Away from Health.” List everything you’ve done over the past week.
If you struggle to find things to put in the left, you know you have some work to do. That’s OK! We all start somewhere. Key word => START. It’s never too late to start.
2 – Find your tribe.
I, personally, would tell my chiropractor that I want to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle and I’d like some help.
3 – Commit to and own the results.
This goes for both paths. If you choose the path towards health –commit to it and celebrate the results.
If you choose a path that veers away from health, then you must be willing to accept those results also. It is well-documented what an unhealthy lifestyle will typically lead to.
Good luck and please let us know if you need some help!