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A famous saying in life is that if you aim at nothing, you will achieve it! This could well apply to our health also. Many of us know only vaguely what we want when we say we want to “be well”. We never seem to set actual standards or parameters for our wellness.
We may have fitness targets, however. For example, many of us count the calories we eat and set limits for them. We may want to weigh less than we do or slim down to match specific ideal measurements. But these fitness aims are just a part of self-improvement objectives, not the whole story. Feeling fine is something broader than just fitness. It is about overall well-being.
Even if you are genetically predisposed to certain hereditary illnesses or have a poor lifestyle, following vital positive actions can help prevent or control such factors from affecting your life.
The fundamental importance of goals centered around being in good shape lies in planning a place in your life for everything good for you − and then protecting that plan.
1. Well-being, in many of its aspects, is largely a qualitative subject, not necessarily always a quantifiable one. When we look to set definitive number goals for staying in good condition, we are less focused on planning the important processes involved in achieving those goals. We get fixated on the results we want.
If, on the other hand, we set plans to schedule some definite daily actions to take towards different angles of healthcare, we would be action-oriented than end-result-oriented. Efforts done regularly will yield results.
2. Some aspects of being in optimal shape are less about body and mind care alone and involve broader changes in our lifestyles and attitudes. They include seeking a balance between all the facets of our lives so that we enjoy life to the fullest range we can. How can we set goals for such balance? Again, it’s a question of how much time and regularity we dedicate to the many sides of our lives.
Goals are very important to how good we are and feel, but the kinds of goals we set should be less about rigid milestones to hit and more about the appropriate distribution of our time and attention to the plans and processes that can help maintain our wellness continuously.
Most of us don’t think of these ten wishes below as “body-and-mind-related goals”. We think of these as “desires to have a better life” − and therein lies a truth. A great life is what we want – the ultimate desire. Being in top form mentally and physically is how a great life is to be had.
These ten personal mission statements are a recurrent theme in the articles of many psychologists, doctors, and lifestyle experts.
Seen closely, each of these points requires great vigor and verve – in every sinew and nerve – as the stepping stone to actualizing them.
See how closely the state of your life depends on the state of your mind and body!
Here is a simple 3-step progression plan to have freedom from illness and to visibly see the importance and value of such a life.
Removing – or at least controlling the seriousness of all ailments – should be the first step. This can be done by making yourself accountable for the regularity of your medical checkups.
According to the Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), “A proactive healthcare approach is about the measures that you can take today to avoid any potential health issues tomorrow.”
The kinds of plans we can make to keep hereditary or lifestyle-related diseases under control include the following:
In the opinion of Northwestern Medicine, “Having a routine can greatly improve your health.” Depending on your present condition, you need a regimen to be set in motion for your diet, exercise, and sleep.
Program-based (not result-based) living should become your objective. For example, instead of saying, “I need to lose 10 kgs. in the next three months”, it may be a more intelligent thing to say, “I will have a wholesome diet-exercise-and-sleep plan and daily timetable drawn up for me by a doctor, dietician, or fitness expert. I will follow this plan every day at the specified times.” Results will follow – and sustain – if processes are in place.
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You also need to set up a practice that balances out all the aspects of your life, giving every facet its due priority. According to Diana Rodriguez, writing in Everyday Health, a balanced life needs to be scheduled; it won’t happen on its own.
For example, your work days and vacation days need to have a balance. Your personal time and family time need to get their due attention. Your socializing time and inner mind care time need to be separately addressed.
Mark out these schedules on your healthcare calendar to cover every important dimension of your life. Set out separate time for family, your job, being alone with yourself, and socializing … and then follow your plan with dedication and commitment.
Tagging time for all self-care processes and plans on a healthcare calendar creates a daily motivation tool − and results in a well-rounded system for yourself. Most importantly, be proactive about setting apart time for medical attention for all ailments that can affect your heart. Treat your heart responsibly.
