Photo by Dave Adamson on Unsplash
To be honest, I don’t watch much football. But recently Nick told me a story that made me think about conversations I sometimes have with clients.
In the summer of 1961, the Green Bay Packers gathered for the first day of training camp. In the previous season, they lost in the NFL Championship. Motivated to do better this year, the players were eager to start working on the details, new drills, and new plays that would help them win a championship. Vince Lombardi, their head coach, had a different idea. He wanted to start from scratch.
“Gentlemen,” he said, holding a pigskin, “this is a football.”
The simplicity, the return to the basics, set the standard for how the team carried out practices that year. They re-learned running, catching, tackling, blocking, etc. Obviously this all happened before I was born, but they went on to win the Championship that year.
There was no trick, new technology, or genius insight. It was just mastering the basics. Fortunately, or unfortunately, living a healthy life is similarly simple– though a bit more difficult than a park in the walk.
This century has become known at the Age of Information (or dis-information in some circles) because nearly 5 billion people use the internet in their daily lives. There are millions of people looking for ways to improve their health, wellness, and lives. With an abundance of blogs and articles on the latest diets, fitness trends, gimmicks, and wellness fads, it’s easy to overlook the fundamental building blocks of a truly healthy life.
This week, let’s just remember some foundational principles can lead to long-lasting well-being. They are simple, but they are not easy.
- Nutrition: The Power of Balanced Eating
The cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle lies in proper nutrition. Instead of getting caught up in the latest diet craze, focus on mastering the basics of balanced eating. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet. Pay attention to portion sizes and be mindful of your body’s hunger and fullness cues. By mastering the art of balanced nutrition, you provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive. Splurging on a cookie or allowing a cheat day won’t ruin you, but the opposite is true. Eating one salad a month isn’t going to lower your cholesterol either. Something like Gwyneth Paltrow’s restrictive diet is far too complicated and unhelpful for most people.
- Regular Exercise: Building Strong Foundations
Exercise is not just about getting in shape; it’s about building a strong foundation for a healthy body and mind. Rather than fixating on intense workout routines, start with the basics. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with strength training exercises at least twice a week. Consistency is key, even more important than the intensity. By doing something over nothing, you’ll improve your cardiovascular health, boost your mood, and enhance your overall well-being. Remember to be safe while exercising. Don’t over-exert. Be mindful. Be purposeful. You don’t need to blow out your ACL at some faux-Navy SEAL weekend bootcamp.
- Adequate Sleep: The Restorative Power of Rest
Sleep is often sacrificed in the pursuit of productivity. I can find myself staying up too late, just wanting to sneak in an extra couple of emails or maybe needing to “unwind” on Instagram before bed. However, adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body and mind to recover and rejuvenate. Quality sleep contributes to improved cognitive function, emotional well-being, and a strengthened immune system. There has also been more research supporting the benefits of mid-day naps!
- Stress Management: Nurturing Mental Health
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how we manage it can significantly impact our overall health. Instead of seeking quick fixes, focus on mastering the basics of stress management. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness into your daily routine. Establish healthy boundaries, prioritize self-care, and nurture your mental health. By developing coping skills and relaxation practices, you’ll build resilience and create a foundation for long-term mental well-being.
- Hydration: The Elixir of Life
Water is often underestimated in its role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Building a habit of hydration involves ensuring you consume an adequate amount of water each day. Water is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, temperature regulation, and overall cellular function. By making hydration a priority, you’ll support your body in performing its vital functions efficiently.
In the quest for a healthy lifestyle, it’s easy to be enticed by gimmicks, technology, and trendy solutions. However, the real secret to long-lasting well-being lies in mastering the basics. By focusing on balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and proper hydration, you’ll lay a solid foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life. Remember, it’s the small, consistent habits that make a significant difference in the journey towards overall wellness.
As a last thoughts, it’s also important to remember that everyone is different. Hormones, genetics, disease, and other factors also play a part in weight gain or overall wellness.
If you want to learn more about your options, including available support or medications, schedule a free consultation with me today. We can review medical solutions to help get you back to being the person you want to be.
And as always, I love my A-Listers!
