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The time value of health
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"A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools."
~ Spanish Proverb
Have you ever put aside your scheduled workout (or dropped your workout routine entirely) because you were just "too busy"? Do you find yourself going through the fast-food drive-thru because you don't have time to go make some grilled salmon and steamed veggies?
When your healthy habits go by the wayside, your health is sure to follow, and your "busy life" becomes even more busy because you now have to take time off for sick days. Your stress rises and your energy level drops, leaving you even more tired and unable to take care of your day-to-day tasks, and the downward spiral accelerates.
A few relatively minor adjustments in thinking and planning can make the difference between "taking care of your tools" (your healthy body) and trying to drag yourself through your daily grind with no energy and poor health.
Failure to plan is planning to fail
Let's say you've decided you're going to base your eating on poultry and fish, lots of veggies, brown rice and sweet potatoes, and follow the "3 Apples A Day" meal plan.
First question: do you have 21 apples in your house for the week?
When exactly are you planning on preparing the chicken? What about the rice and sweet potatoes?
Shopping and food pre-prep over the weekend can make a world of difference in the success or failure of your eating strategy. Write your menu ahead of time, and base your shopping list on that. It may take some time the first week, but should only require minor modifications after that. Do as much food preparation over the weekend as you can, so taking your lunch to work is as simple as you can make it. Chicken breast can be pre-grilled for the entire week. Large batches of rice, soup, or stew can be made and stuck in the refrigerator (or even the freezer if you want to do more than a week at a time). The main thing is to remember that busy, hungry people do NOT look for the healthiest source of food!
Exercise is not "self-indulgent"
Don't fall into the trap of thinking of your workout as time away from your family and your responsibilities. Doing the basics to keep yourself healthy is the numero-uno most-important thing you have control of to make sure you are able to do what you need, and want, to do.
Exercise does not have to be drudgery
If you hate running, don't run. If lifting weights doesn't turn your crank, find something different. There is nothing magical about the gym - it's simply a convenient way to get your body moving.
Find a sport you enjoy. Take dance lessons, or martial arts, or join a hiking group. Spend time outside (you might be able to make this quality family time as well). If you like lifting weights, try changing things up. Pack a kettlebell or a sandbag out to the park and workout in the sunshine!
Remember that workouts don't have to last for hours. Even four minutes a day can make an amazing difference!
Time spent on your health pays off
The first week of menu planning will take you some time. You may also find yourself behind on your household duties when you start spending 3 hours a week at the gym (don't worry - you can probably make up for it by skipping a fraction of your TV time).
It won't take long, however, before you find yourself getting more efficient at doing what you need to do. You'll be more focused at work, so you can have fewer late nights. When you can go right from mowing the lawn to the next item on your to-do list, you'll have a more productive day (and be able to wrap up your weekend chores early).
We all know that our tools, our cars, and our houses need to be maintained. Saving time now by skipping an oil change will inevitably lead to a greater time loss when the car breaks down. Keep the same principle in mind with your body, and keep your critical machinery running smoothly! Remember: you may have your car for years, but you have to travel around in your body for your whole life!
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For more info: Visit Jonathan on his website at defylimitations.com!
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