Workforce Health Tip of the Week – Setting Body Shaping, Stamina, and Stress Reduction Goals
Source: Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) Weekly eNewsletter
As we grow older and pieces and parts of our bodies start to ache and not work as well as they used to, we suddenly get more aware, interested, and motivated to do something about our overall health, physical fitness and nutrition.
Sometimes it takes a health scare, an injury or blood work that shows we are on a slippery slope to a debilitating condition – a heart attack, stroke, or diabetes – to give us that much needed wake-up call.
For others, it’s the fact that they want their knees to stop hurting so they can play better golf now that they have the time and money to do so. Others simply want to enjoy being more active with family, friends, and grandchildren. And a few of us want to spend more time with our animals – running, hunting, playing Frisbee on the beach, or challenging our "ball dog" without falling over dead tired.
Whatever the Motivation, It All Boils Dow to Lifestyle Change
Lifestyle change and setting new priorities can be hard for those of us who are career oriented, especially those working in a metro area where daily commutes steal countless hours of personal time.
It’s Easy to Get Caught Up in Excuses. Ever find yourself feeling trapped, or saying:
- I don’t have time for exercise, proper nutrition, or relaxation. I’m so rushed, I don’t know if I’m coming or going.
- I eat at my desk or in the car because I just don’t have time to prepare a healthy meal or beverage. I’m lucky to grab convenience food and energy drinks. Grocery shopping? Cooking? You’ve got to be kidding.
- I’m doing the best I can to meet the needs of my boss and family. I don’t have time to relax or do things for me. By the time I get around to me, it’s too late at night and I’m too tired to move another inch.
- Forget it. I don’t see anyone saying "do less for me." My work and family just suck me dry. I’ve got nothing left. I’m trapped and going downhill fast. It’s hopeless. I’m gaining weight and losing sleep. I feel so tired.
Stop! Listen to yourself. Look into the mirror. What are you doing to yourself? This kind of thinking and self-talk really can trap you. And the consequences can be severe – in fact, life threatening.
It's Time for Change
If time is the biggest or first barrier you face to becoming a healthier you, then get started by taking some simple baby steps.
Think of some things you can do before, during and after work that will help you shape your body, build better strength and stamina, and reduce your stress levels.
Take care of yourself throughout the day to get yourself turned around and headed in the right direction. Ask your best friends and favorite co-workers to do these things, too. You are more likely to be successful in reaching your health and wellness goals if you can form a support network which is often needed to start and sustain the changes you need to make.
A Healthier You starts with Commitment, Discipline, and Goal Setting
What do you want or need to accomplish? By when? Why? Be concrete. Set some specific goals for body shaping, strength, stamina, sleep, and stress-reduction. These health elements all have significant affects on each other. Get one out of balance, and the others quickly follow. Get them moving in the right direction and you will be amazed by how quickly you can reach your health and well-being goals. It takes commitment – really wanting the new end results, discipline to stay the course towards becoming the "new you," and goal setting. Here’s how to do it.
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