if you are on the journey to success in business, then you need to be prepared for it … mentally, physically, and emotionally. That means that you not only have to apply your smarts, but you need to be healthy if you want to enjoy the ride and to get fit for life.
I have always known that to be able to tackle the things I want in life – like to live a good long life – I would have to be well educated, well-rested, and physically strong. So I have dedicated my life to these aims.
Let’s discuss each of these, in turn, to see what I mean. As you will see from my viewpoint, what goes into your mind and body matter. So pay attention and keep improving.
Healthy lifestyle: Ways to get fit for life!
Mentally fit:
Are you reading and continuously learning? The secret to reading is reading. That is, just pick stuff up and read. If you don’t like it, read something else. If you get stuck reading that book or article, move on and read something else. You have to exercise this muscle to make it work right. So read. If you want to be successful as a leader read books about leadership. If you want to be successful as an entrepreneur read books about business. If you want to be successful in selling, read books about selling. If you want to learn about anything, read about it. Just keep reading!
“Reading Is to The Mind, As Exercise Is to The Body.”- Brian Tracy
Mentally fit also means a lot more. It means that your mind is pliable – so don’t forget about other types of cognitive exercises and games that keep you mentally fit, mentally young, etc. Read the papers, figure out puzzles, socialize and connect with people, etc.
Physically fit:
Are you able to tackle physical feats like those of people your age or younger? Like reading, the secret to fitness is being active and taking on physical exercise. Find something you like and rotate it with other complementary exercises. For years, I have enjoyed yoga, bicycling, running, skiing and swimming … and when I was younger I enjoyed games like basketball, soccer/football and even Frisbee. Playing games makes the exercise easier for some, and even some games, like golf, combine skill. But, make sure you are getting a combination of cardiovascular activities and strength training with flexibility exercises. Personally, I have found that a vigorous yoga practice combines all three – and has mental and emotional cleansing benefits as well.
Nutritionally fit:
Eating right and taking the correct supplements for your body is also recommended. But, do you do it? Or do you have poor habits in this area? Eating a healthy diet that’s filled with dark leafy green vegetables (brain food) and healthy amounts of protein (without overtaxing the body) and eating good carbohydrates is probably indicated along with being careful to balance these three primary food groups. But, also being aware of what supplements might be needed and missing in your body can round out an excellent diet and give you the energy you need.
Stress brings on all sorts of dis-ease in our bodies and proper supplementation (even medication for some) is probably indicated for most of us. I recently learned about an adrenal-neurotransmitter test using saliva and urine to test my levels. While some more conservative medical practitioners might poo-poo this type of test, I believe it’s something that might help really identify what’s going on in your body that might need balancing with supplementation. So far, early test results are showing me that my memory, physical energy and sleep is improving.
Rest:
And let’s not forget rest. Ideally, I’ve always believed the body is meant for 8-8-8. Eight hours of work, eight hours of play and eight hours of rest. I’ve lived my entire life trying to maintain this balance. And, while I don’t often sleep 8 hours, I do find that a proper amount of rest – different for each person – is important. During sleep our bodies produce cortisol, a life sustaining adrenal hormone essential to the maintenance of homeostasis. Called “the stress hormone,” cortisol influences, regulates or modulates many of the changes that occur in the body in response to stress. Not enough or too much cortisol can lead to regular infections, chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases or allergies. Maintaining a balanced level of cortisol is an important part of staying healthy.
Emotionally fit:
Emotional fitness is the ability to accept negative feelings in your life and live a life in line with your values despite them. Feelings can hijack the brain and lead to doing things you regret. This daily emotional fitness program helps you stay in control when stress or another negative feeling visits you. If you want the quality of your life to improve, practice these exercises regularly:
Practice silence, practice kindness, live a purpose driven life, express yourself i.e., talk with professionals about negative feelings/emotions you have, practice having a positive mental attitude, listen to music, dance, sing and move/exercise regularly, surround yourself with supportive friends, take regular walks and breathe with more awareness.
It takes a lot of work to be ready for work and for living a full life. Get good habits while you are young so you can be a leader of others and show them the way to live a full life. Your team, your friends and your family will all appreciate you for it.
Fit for Life™ is a trademarked term owned by a lifelong friend, Suzy Prudden.