The Hidden Secrets of Healthy Living

(This is a continuation from previous articles: 8+2 Planning Tips To Improve Your Health, How To Plan a Healthy Life and How To Plan Your Weightloss Without Stress)

 

If you've ever tried to set goals for improving or optimizing your health and struggled to reach them year after year or month after month, you are not alone.

 

Behind the scenes, I consider myself a secret researcher. I love discovering hidden secrets, ancient wisdom, and proven tips. One particular insight I have gained on improving one's health lies in 3 hidden (overlooked) secrets:

 

1. Knowledge of healthy living
2. Intentionality about making healthy choices
3. Planning daily actions for healthy living

 

The ancient wisdom is that knowledge of good health must be actively sought and pursued with a great deal of focused intention that yields a plan of action.

 

In simpler terms, it means that you need to actively seek out information about how to live a healthy life, and then make a plan to implement that knowledge in your daily life.

 

One aspect of this hidden secret I wish to highlight today is the overlooked value of actively planning your health. Consider the days you gave some thought to what you'd eat by planning out your meals and drinks in advance vs. the days you did not. On the days when you did not take the time to plan, you likely ended your day eating or drinking the very things you promised yourself you would no longer take in. This is a clear example of how planning can help you stick to your health goals.

 

We spend a significant part of our days contributing to others in some way, be it our employers or clients. However, when it comes to prioritizing what truly matters, our health should take the lead. Why? Because living a healthy life is not just a choice, it's our first responsibility. Imagine the positive impact it could have on our overall well-being. For instance, before filling in your appointments and meetings for the day, consider allocating a block of time daily for your health. In my case, nothing happens if I don't plan. I have gone many days and weeks neglecting my health simply because I failed to plan even small steps to help me improve. But when I do plan, I feel empowered and in control of my well-being.

 

Hint:

• Does your schedule look like someone seeking to lose some weight?
• Does your schedule look like someone seeking to reduce stress?
• Does your schedule look like someone seeking to improve health?

 

Here are some ideas of what to plan for:

1. Plan your days prioritizing your mental well-being. Start with quiet reflection, meditation or prayer rather than reaching for your phone first. Reaching for your phone first may lead you to start your day with anxiety, worry or concern, thanks to text messages or social media posts. I have also found it helpful to schedule my phone notifications to come on only after 9:00 am. This helps me ensure I have had a good amount of quiet before speaking with anyone or starting my day with others. Another tip is to set a specific time for your quiet reflection, such as 10 minutes before you start your work or after you finish your breakfast. This can help you make it a regular part of your routine.
2. Plan your bedtime. Do you allow your days to run into each other by going to bed at odd times or whenever you feel like it? Research shows that a consistent sleeping schedule enhances mental function and overall life longevity.
3. Plan when you take your supplements. Following a carefully considered and doctor-recommended routine for supplements helps maximize their benefits.
4. Plan when you drink water and how much water to drink daily.
5. Plan your daily walk or workout routine.
6. Plan your meals or intermittent fasting periods, keeping in mind the necessary nutrients your body needs.
7. Plan time away from digital screens by turning your phone face down while carrying out deep work.
8. Plan an ideal time for emails and phone calls. I find that tackling emails later in the day after I have hit some initial daily targets helps me minimize task anxiety, which ultimately impacts one's health.
9. Plan periods of movement and stretching to break down prolonged periods of sitting.
10. Plan regular health check-ups to monitor your progress and adjust your health plan with your physician as needed.
11. Plan time for recreation and leisure, such as starting or restarting a hobby that brings you joy and helps reduce stress. Examples include crafting, gardening, painting, hiking, or even dancing.
12. Lastly and most importantly, plan for rest - both physical and mental downtime are essential for rejuvenation.

 

You likely already know these points. Remember, the secret alone isn't in the knowledge but in the intentionality of choices and the planning of action. This advice is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. We all have the power to prioritize our health and well-being.

 

So I ask you, what area of your health will you plan today? 

Warmly,

VJ, Founder, NOTIQ