Category: health

We’re well into feeling the global impacts of the cornavirus. The depth of consequences to the world’s economy and productivity is truly sad.

No matter what your level of worry is, be kind when dealing with those who are more scared than you are.

And wash your hands.

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Image is used via a Creative Commons license via Unsplash.

Walk right past that elevator and find the staircase.

You’ll be benefiting your health and humanity:

1. The small break in your day will stimulate your mind to perform better when you return to your desk.
2. Moving your body up and down those stairs will get your heart rate up and help you to live (slightly) longer.
3. Your lungs will want more oxygen, so you’ll breathe deeper.
4. The added stress to your legs will actually increase your bone density.
5. Your refreshed mind and body will make you better company for your co-workers.
6. It’s a quick and easy way to add at least a little exercise into your day.
7. Taking those steps will help you lose weight…  a little bit is better than none!
8. No special clothing is required.
9. Elevators use a tremendous amount of energy. Riding solo vs. taking the stairs consumes enough energy to power your stove for three hours. (Well, I’m just making that up. But it does take a huge amount of energy to move that giant chunk of metal up and down the elevator shaft.)

 

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Disclaimers:

1. If you work in a skyscraper, this does not apply. Use your good judgment. At least you can take a few flights of stairs up and down when you need to use the necessary room.
2. Some buildings handily lock their stairways for security purposes. (What happens when there’s a fire?)
3. Not everyone can take stairs! But you can take a break, anyhow. Just look away from your screen for a bit.

Sugar has been linked to diabetes and obesity, over and over. And yet we love it. I say, “we,” because I love a good chocolate bar or delicious cookie as much as anyone.

The Christmas holiday season (or Kwanzaa, if that’s your holiday) is filled with opportunities to enjoy all manner of sugary delights. At my office, a visit to the communal break room table provides many joy-filled moments throughout the month of December. Vendors gift us with a constant flow of fun treats.

It’s very hard to stop indulging.

But there is one thing I’ve found that cuts at least a little bit of sugar from my diet… no more juice at breakfast.

Instead, I drink ice water.

At first, I really missed my glass of orange juice. But after only a week, the pain was completely gone. Now water provides a refreshing contrast to my bowl of cereal with milk.

Give it a try! Before you say, “Forget this, I’m going back to juice,” do it for a week or two to see if you can break the juice habit.

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A final benefit to this change is that it will save your budget a bit of change.

 

If we knew who the healthiest person in the world was, would we do everything they do?

We measure our health in the physical, mental and spiritual realms. If one person had all of those at the optimum levels, would we change our lives to mirror their choices?

Probably not.

We all have different definitions of pleasure and fulfillment. (And those are not the same – though they may overlap at times.) Our choice of pleasure or fulfillment may interfere with our optimal health.

Let me give some examples.

A selfless person finds fulfillment in serving others. They serve others to the point of physical and mental exhaustion and may die an early death. But they wouldn’t have it any other way. They die fulfilled.

Many of us enjoy a fine meal with several courses. But we know that when we’re finished, we have eaten more than our bodies needed and end up in an almost comatose state. Or we choose to ride a motorcycle, knowing ahead of time that it’s a dangerous choice but brings a great deal of pleasure.

It’s almost as if life is a video game. We know that if we make certain choices they will reduce our “life points,” but we’ll enjoy our journey more.

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It’s OK to not be the healthiest person in the world. But remember that your choices effect those who love you too.