Week 203
Positive post Sunday, January 10, 2021- Week 203.
We’re over a week into the new year, a time when some of us finally get around to thinking about setting New Year’s resolutions while others have already set them and in some cases already deviated from them. Yes, there’s that one common resolution we hear (or say ourselves) every year, I’m going to join a gym or go back to the gym to lose that holiday weight and get back into physical shape. The continuing pandemic makes it difficult to join a gym and challenges us to think of other innovative ways to focus on our physical fitness which is even more important now than ever.
Rather than go into the many ways we can continue to achieve our physical fitness goals during the pandemic (for those that want to there are plenty of ways to do so right at home), I’d like to focus on the importance of both physical and mental fitness. In my opinion they are inseparable, and both are absolutely critical to sustain a healthy and prosperous life, especially as we continue to navigate through this pandemic.
Those who have read my previous Positive Post Sundays may recall my Triangle of Life, FAITH, FAMILY and FITNESS. If you get bored while at home or want to explore other ideas for late New Year’s resolutions, look back to my PPSs for weeks 46 on December 31, 2017, 47 on January 7, 2018, 48 on January 14, 2018 and 98 on December 30, 2018 for more details.
Although for Today’s PPS, I’ll stay focused on the Fitness leg of the Triangle of Life, I remind us all that the triangle is at its strongest when all legs are connected and active. I certainly wouldn’t want to ride the cycle of life bike I’ve attached if any of the legs of the triangle were not connected or missing, and in the same manner I wouldn’t want to live my life with any of the legs missing as well.
Physical and mental fitness are core to a healthy lifestyle, and essential during this pandemic. I’m also a strong believer that our mental fitness and health is dependent on our physical fitness. Simple things like taking microbreaks during the day or going on walks, up to more rigorous exercise if you are physically capable, give our minds a much-needed break. I’m a believer because I have felt firsthand the impact on my mental health when, during times of high stress and heavy workloads, I postponed my physical activities. I have learned to listen to my body and mind and grown to understand that are busiest and most stressful times are the times when breaks and exercise are needed the most.
Here’s a few articles on the value of exercise.
Harvard Health Letter titled; Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression:
Please don’t wait for a New Year’s Resolution, or until you have anxiety or are on the verge of depression to establish a strong physical and mental regiment. Our physical and mental FITNESS should be a lifelong focus, so we stay in shape to share our FAITH, enjoy our FAMILY and take care of our loved ones who are counting on us.
What do you do to maintain good physical and mental fitness and health?
Do you listen to your body and mind, and make the necessary adjustments?