I talk a good deal about personal power on this blog. It is at the core of what I do as a Speaker, Coach and Writer.
Personal power is the very foundation upon which all of us build powerful, vibrant and exciting lives filled with purpose and mission.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how a healthy lifestyle affects our personal power. The bottom line is that having a strong mind, spirit and body is essential to growing and sustaining a deep and abiding personal power. One cannot be without the other.
In that regard, let’s take a look at….
1. Realize that it’s a journey not a destination.
Start with the correct mindset. Too many people think in terms of “I’m going to get healthy” like health is a simple destination that can be obtained.
In my mind, “healthy” is what you DO as much as it is what you are. Think in terms of living a healthy lifestyle, one that is worked out on a daily basis through the journey of life. Knowing that your health needs continual, systematic effort on your part, helps you during the hard times and allows you to pick yourself up and get back on the path when you fall.
A healthy lifestyle is a journey not a destination.
2. Eliminate stress.
Stress is the #1 killer of a healthy body, mind and spirit. Stress eats away at the foundation of your personal power. It distracts you, wears on you and drags you down.
Meditation, yoga, hiking, exercise and deep breathing exercises help reduce and even eliminate stress. Each of these have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other ailments.
Do not overwhelm yourself (don’t stress) with the thought of adding each of these to your life. Pick one that interests you and do it. Make a deliberate choice to incorporate a stress reducing activity into your daily life.
3. Eat differently.
Try something new. Eat six small meals per day.
It looks like this:
Breakfast. Snack. Lunch. Snack. Dinner. Snack.
These small meals help sustain your metabolism throughout the day and reduce cravings. This technique allows your body to feel fulfilled throughout the day and gives you the needed energy to get things done.
Try to finish your eating for the day by 8:00pm. This gives your body the time needed to process the food and helps you sleep better.
4. Get rest.
Sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Preparation for your down time is important as well. Shut off stimulation like laptops and cell phones an hour before you go to bed. This allows your mind to begin to wind down and sets you up for good sleep.
It is important to get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep so that your body can relax, rest and regenerate.
5. Get outside.
How much time do you spend outdoors in any given week? Do you get enough fresh air and sunlight?
The reason I ask is because studies have shown that outdoor activities are a definite part of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, they have been shown to help increase self-esteem (needed for personal power) and reduce depression, tension, anger and even symptoms of ADHD.
Get outside – you deserve it!
It is time to give yourself a fighting chance at a healthy lifestyle. It takes action – sustained, consistent, deliberate action. It is a journey that you need to be willing to take.
You can do it – I believe in the power of you!
