By: Alesa Arnett, NCSF-PT, GGS-1 ~ Your Fit and Kindred Sister Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit
It’s time: Put a spring in your step and get outside! No doubt you’ve been working the ‘kinks’ out of your resolutions but be aware: Not knowing the predictable consequences of your actions may derail your efforts. Remember not to bite off more than you can chew, especially with health and fitness. Taking small, simple, and informed steps pay off in the long term. Sticking to thoughtfully chosen diet, exercise and mindfulness practices will help your body feel refreshed and more energetic… AND, if weight loss was a resolution, you’ll see results automatically.
- Proper FUEL and FORM: There are expensive pills; one food only diets; running-while-carrying-heavy-loads fitness programs; and yoga with spiders surely will become a thing. The abundance of marketed programs is like panning for gold! It’s incredibly difficult to find the safest, most healthy nuggets to elevate our personal states of health. Years of reading during my own quest for health and longevity have convinced me that all we ‘need’ is a low-impact fitness regimen w/cardio, flexibility, strength, and balance; wanting something more intense is a choice. We have also entered a major shift toward a more plant-based diet (see the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines and myplate.gov).
‘The Exam Room Podcast’ examines vegan nutrition and medical news (No, you do NOT need to be vegan to gain immense value from this organization!). During a recent interview with Dr. Michael Gregor about his new book ‘How Not To Age’ he spoke about ‘Your Body, Your Choice.’ He explained that your choices may or may not make you healthier or live longer, but he encourages us all to simply know the predictable consequences of our actions before making choices affecting our health and longevity. I love this! You can find the 12/4/23 episode and more at PCRM.org
- MINDSET:
A friend recommended I watch ‘Mission: Joy.’ Though they are from different spiritual ends of the spectrum, they have so much in common. His Holiness The Dalai Lama XIV and Archbishop Desmond Tutu believe ‘joy is happiness with a purpose, and it comes from within.’ Science also found that just doing one of their stated ‘Acts of Joy’ can make you feel better right now, such as expressing gratitude, shifting perspective, connecting, or doing a kindness. Learn more at missionjoy.org. and choose to refresh your spirit and your mind.
So… How are you becoming healthier in body, mind, and spirit since the new year? It’s insane how more often, increasing numbers of people allow themselves to feel offended by others, resulting in division or unhealthy re-actions. Instead of trying to look/act/eat/ exercise/enjoy life the way others expect stand strong, Sisters! DO YOU! First, be prepared and aware: Learn about the predictable consequences of your actions. Whether you CHOOSE to ‘shift’ your perspectives or not, get out and enjoy the spring season and Mother Nature’s fresh spring air – for YOUR OWN health AND pleasure.
Alesa is a proud retired Air Force Medic. She has been married to her best friend for 30 years, enjoys her three beautiful kids, and two grandsons, and visits with her Mom. She is now a very part-time Women’s Coaching Specialist, finally claiming to be ‘retired’, and living life peacefully. Email: myperkfitness@gmail.com