Play, move and laugh more
Regular physical activity and healthy eating will improve the quality of your life. It’s that simple. But we all know it’s not that simple getting there. Addressing your health now will mean fewer limitations as you age.
There’s no time like the present to begin enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle – more energy, better health, reduced stress, and better self-esteem. But we look instead of play! We ride instead of walk!
Our motivation is high at the beginning of any attempt to make changes to our lifestyle and our eating habits. Keeping it up can be difficult. We all have to find out what works best for each of us and keep it going.
More:Break the cycle of stress: Take responsibility for your health | Molnar
When we lead inactive lifestyles, our bodies work less efficiently, and we lose muscle. The first US astronauts entered their space capsules in peak physical condition but returned as weak as if they had been watching TV the whole time.
Why? In space they were weightless and didn’t need to use their muscles to move around. In just a few weeks, these fit fliers lost a lot of muscle and strength. The same applies to all of us. When we are active – when we use our muscles everyday – we keep our strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Now that many folks are headed back to the office after an extended stay working from home, walk to your colleague’s office instead of calling on the phone or emailing. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car further away from the entrance. On your break, take a walk around the block instead of hitting the vending machine.
The great thing about physical activity and healthy eating is what it does for your body. Not only do you feel better mentally and physically, it’s your best ally in the battle of the bulge.
Another great thing about regular exercise is that your metabolism actually changes over time; helping your body burn fat faster and work more efficiently.
One of the most important things we can do right now for our health is to have more joy in our life.
We have to lighten up. Play more. Don’t take things too seriously. Don’t be too hard on yourself and others. And, let fun and joy in. It keeps your energy circulating and makes all your hard work worth it.
When we look ahead to our future – five, 10 or even 20 years from now – how are the choices we are making today affecting our health?
Who else is counting on you to make healthy choices? Your life is a result of choices you make. Remember, if you don’t like your life, now’s the time to start making better choices.
Matt Molnar is the owner of Atlas Fit, a fitness facility at 711 N. Monroe St. Visit his website at atlasfit.co.
Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.
