Your Lifestyle: Is it Time for a Change?

Do you know what the foundation to optimal health and well-being is? One that gives you peace of mind? It’s your lifestyle! What you do day in and day out either nourishes or depletes your well-being. 

Research reveals that many chronic diseases are due to lifestyle issues—chronic diseases such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. With only less than 3% of Americans living a healthy lifestyle, 70% of the U.S. population are overweight or obese. A third has high blood pressure, a third with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, and half with unhealthy cholesterol levels. Sadly, the pandemic has severely affected those who are suffering from chronic conditions.

Is your current lifestyle detrimental to your health? Is it time to consider a change?

Your Current Lifestyle Routine

Take a look at your 24-hour day and check if any of the following positive health behaviors are already a part of your daily routine.

Healthful Eating – Do you choose predominantly whole plant-based foods to eat – foods rich in fiber and nutrient-dense such as vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds?

Physical Activity – How often do you get up from a seated position? How much time do you set aside to do an activity that raises your heart rate? How are you strengthening your muscles and improving flexibility/mobility?

Good Quality Sleep – How much sleep do you get? How do you feel when you wake up in the morning?

Healthy Stress Relief – How do you respond when you notice feelings of distress?

Avoid Risky Substances (excessive alcohol and smoking) – What triggers you to smoke or drink excessively?

Meaningful relationships – Who are you grateful for? How do you make a difference in someone else’s life?

How might your life be different if these positive behaviors become your healthy habits?

A Healthy Lifestyle – It’s Possible!

Do you envision a life without worrying about impending chronic disease or not having to depend on medication? Can you imagine a time of your life where you thrive and spending time doing things that matter to you most? 

Perhaps making a lifestyle behavior change has been on your mind, but you haven’t taken the first step yet. It’s ok – change can feel overwhelming.

However, please DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. Once you start incorporating these health behaviors into your daily routine, a transformation begins to happen, even with a small step. This is the power of a healthy lifestyle and is backed by evidence in the practice of Lifestyle Medicine.  

Have you decided this is the journey you’d like to be on?  

• To be in charge of your health.
• Protect your well-being and feel your best to serve others.  
• Be a role model for your loved ones and your community.

I can give you as much information as I can with proven research; however, ultimately, it’s up to you to decide when you’re ready.

It all starts with YOU.

All of us desire to be well – to thrive at every stage of our lives. How can you awaken your inner motivation? By exploring what’s most meaningful to you. Imagine and visualize your health and well-being in the years ahead.  

I challenge you to come up with a compelling wellness vision. When you have something written down and shared with others, it starts the ball rolling towards your desired path.  

Are you still unsure about making a healthy lifestyle change? In that case, you might find it helpful to spend 15 to 20 minutes reading this Wellness Vision Guide I created for you. By reflecting and writing down answers to all of the questions in the guide, you’re taking a small yet powerful step towards action.