
When I was growing up, it was thought that taking time out for yourself or putting your own needs first was slightly selfish and a bit self-centred. Roll on a number of decades (I’ll not tell you exactly how many) and it is now considered an integral part of lifestyle medicine. Taking time out to walk in the mountains, swim in the sea or lakes, meditate in nature, read a book, cook a nice recipe etc is now considered a vital part of supporting our wellbeing, both mentally and physically. It is now even being prescribed to people, yet we still sometimes think “Oh, I am too busy today to do that”. My question is this! Why do we fight against doing something that makes us feel so happy in order to sometimes do tasks that feel like a chore or actively make us feel less happy (I am not including your job or employment in this statement)?
More and more, I am seeing groups pop up online that are centred around meeting up with other like-minded people to go for hikes, swims, coffee etc and it brings such a smile to my face to see that so many people get so much joy from getting out there and taking time out for themselves. The positive benefit this brings to all aspects of their wellbeing cannot be ignored, both mentally and physically. When we feel better, generally, we eat better too so the knock of effect is choosing foods that nourish our mind and body and, subsequently, increase serotonin levels in the brain. The result is feeling happier and building day-to-day resilience.
Over the last 18 months, there has been a growing feeling of being “cut-off” from others and, as human beings, we are tribal and thrive on the energy from being around others (especially like-minded others). What if I “prescribed” you a daily dose of human company in the outdoors that would help lift your mood, sleep better, increase positivity, help you lose weight and generally feel great. And all of this without any side effects? Would you take this daily? Of course you would, it is a no-brainer. Feeling positive and healthy is a cumulative thing, every day you do it, you build on the day before. I call it my “health savings account”. Every day, I make a small lodgement to it in some way and then when those tough times come in life (which they will), I know I have the resources to make a withdrawal from my account to help me through whatever is happening in my life. This prevents serious burnout in life and I have learnt this the difficult way personally. Now, I do something EVERY day to add to my “health savings account”. Why not try it yourself and see how you feel after 1 week, 4 weeks or 3 months. There is something really wonderful about taking back control of both your mental and physical health.
Feel free to leave your comments below on this article. You can also book a FREE 20 minute health review call with Aine to see how she can help by clicking https://www.goodfoodnutrition.co.uk/free-consultation
Comments