How to Be Healthy: Prioritizing Your Physical and Mental Well-being

Introduction

When my doctor, an ultramarathon runner older and wiser than me, expressed concern about my health during an annual physical, it was a wake-up call. He suggested simple changes, like walking and carrying my clubs during golf instead of riding in a cart and drinking alcohol. That conversation sparked a mentality shift, leading me to prioritize my health and make drastic changes, such as giving up alcohol almost entirely. Our personal health, both physical and mental, should be a top priority in our lives.

The Two-Step Method to Maintaining a Healthy Physique

The good news is that there is a _^secret two-step method to maintaining a healthy physique:

1. Eat a healthy diet
2. Exercise often

There are no pills, cheats, or formulas. There is no magic panacea. The only way to achieve your body type’s ideal form is through diet and exercise.

Understanding Diet

Diet is not a short-term challenge or a temporary starvation period. Your diet encompasses everything you put into your system from birth to death; it is your entire relationship with food. While I’m not a diet expert, I can attest to the detrimental effects of sugar and dairy. It is intellectually indisputable that sugar is extremely bad for the human body. Personally, I love the taste of sweets, so I opt for alternatives like soda flavored with Stevia, a natural sweetener. I have no self-control with traditional candy, so the best option for me is to keep it out of reach by not purchasing it.

Incorporating Exercise

Exercise is crucial, and anything is better than nothing. You don’t need to spend hours at the gym every day. Start with just 18 minutes of walking if you have no other options. Set a timer and commit to those consecutive minutes. In today’s world, you can use generative AI or YouTube to find an infinite variety of exercises that require no equipment and little time.

Gamifying Your Exercise

Gamifying your exercise can be life-changing. Personally, I use an Apple Watch to track my daily goals, turning it into a game by focusing on closing my rings. However, if you don’t have access to a smart device, you can always track your progress the old-fashioned way with pen and paper. Remember, don’t compare yourself to others; instead, compare yourself to who you were yesterday. That said, finding a used smartwatch is very affordable these days, and I highly recommend getting into the ecosystem.

The Importance of Rest Days

Rest days are essential, but they don’t mean sitting around eating junk food. Active rest days can include walks or lower-intensity activities. Personally, I lower my move goal by 33% to 50% on rest days and never have more than two rest days in a row.

Conclusion

In conclusion, prioritizing our health is crucial for a fulfilling life. By focusing on a healthy diet and regular exercise, we can maintain our physical and mental well-being. Remember my mantra: remember where you came from, appreciate where you are, and focus on where you’re going. Small changes in your daily habits can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and happiness.