Time seems to go faster in the twenty-first century; it’s not as laid back and enjoyable as life was once. For instance, when we would look at old digital tapes of us in our youth, the color grading and genuine emotions would make us think, Just where did all the time go? Why does life look so plain and go by so quickly in the flash of an eye? I personally can’t stop thinking about that. I look at my old photos and wonder why I didn’t appreciate something when I had it, which then opened my eyes regarding my well-being. If I’m upset at myself for not being content or working on a specific aspect of myself right now, what’s to say that a year from now I won’t? I’ll look and say the same thing about the person I am right now! And to that I say time is ticking, and instead of watching the clock pass by each ticking second, might as well do something, hell, anything! Just knowing that I’m working on myself, whether that goes at a rapid speed or a slow one, only time will tell. But as my own person, I deserve my own time from my busy schedule, as do you all from yours. I know it’s easier said than done, but I hope what I have to say changes your perception of what you can do for your own Health & Wellness, and hopefully, you can pass it on to your peers who may be internally struggling to keep up with themselves, though they do not show their fear to do so.
Ever heard of the term health is wealth? Well, they weren’t lying. How many well-off people in the media can you think of who have an abundance of money, yet they look like they pay no heed to their bodies? Your body is your temple, and the more you worship it, the better you do. Everything starts from within; mentally, you need to first understand the gravity of your situation and what you want to do regarding it. Firstly, the act of forgiving oneself is important. Forgiving for what you might ask. Forgiving yourself for doubting and holding yourself back from doing something, worrying about what someone might say, and how ridiculous you may look. Letting go of such negative thoughts certainly pushes you into an uncomfortable space, but the need to understand that you will never be able to embrace your full potential by being comfortable 24/7. You need to train your mind to adapt to its environment, which gradually gets your body ready to incorporate. It truly all starts from within.
Then comes the physical aspect, which for many is the most difficult part, understandably. You have to first consider your probabilities. How much time do you have? What resources do you have? That gets one prepared to make a schedule of what they are going to do at what times. Many athletic people can work out every day as their body works that way, while people who aren’t really used to that regimen may work out every other day to better incorporate their physical well-being with their mental well-being. I, for instance, only have time to work out at home, that too, a few times a week, and it means the world to me! My brother, on the other hand, feels lazy when he’s at home, so he opts for heading out to the gym, where the peer pressure gets to him, getting his body and mind in shape. Thinking about physical options like these makes you better understand what works for you and what doesn’t. You may start with walking after meals, or strength training once a week, and maybe even making your routine flexible and alternating between different physical training, your choice!
All these wonderful parts of taking care of yourself do more than just make you look good, but they also make you feel good. Exercising not only takes care of your body but also your emotional well-being. It releases different brain chemicals that change the way you function. Obviously, it takes time, but by staying consistent, the need to keep your body and mind active begins. Now remember, don’t confuse consistency with perfection, for they are two very different things that are poles apart. You need to be consistent, not perfect. Toxic standards like perfectionism will push you in the wrong direction, over-complicating a simple routine that you need. Figuring out a rhythm that works for you may take a long time, but don’t use that as a means to just sit around. Keep moving! Whether that’s going for an evening walk, dancing to your favorite songs, or just hopping on the treadmill to your favorite show. The possibilities are endless. So don’t fear the unknown; rather, seek out your possible known and do yourself a favor before it’s too late, and once again you look back with a lifetime of regrets.
