What is your #1 Priority? If it’s anything other than your well-being, or health, we need to talk.
Tradition
Early in life most of us were taught to put ourselves last. It may not have been voiced in those words but it was implied in everything that we were taught. Most of us learned to feel guilty if we put ourselves first. The words “selfish”, “self-centered”, “egotistical”, “arrogant”, “conceited” and “aloof” or “uncaring” were often associated with the brave soul who dared to consider his well-being. I am a PK, (preacher’s kid) and I recognize the puritanical roots of that belief. The truth is, unless you consider yourself first you won’t be any good to anyone else. You cannot help a weaker soul if you are not as strong as you can be in body and mind. Sometimes the actions necessary to preserve our mind seem radical, but when we realize that we have created a life that is toxic, or we are allowing a life that is toxic to rule over us, and we do nothing to correct that error, we are making a grave mistake.
Mind/Body Connection
“The brain and peripheral nervous system, the endocrine and immune systems, and indeed, all the organs of our body and all the emotional responses we have, share a common chemical language and are constantly communicating with one another.” Dr. James Gordon (Founder of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine) [1]
Bearing this in mind, what do you think that living in a toxic relationship will do for you? How about negative self-talk? What do you think the outcome of systematically denying yourself anything that you want will be? If you treat any living thing in that manner, it will not thrive and will most likely die. It doesn’t matter if it’s a plant or a human, neglect and abuse will eventually take it’s toll. As the spirit weakens, the mind will follow and then ultimately, the body. Taking care of ourselves is more than meat and drink. We have to find a way to comfort ourselves that is healthy. Nutrition, rest and exercise are key components in this scenario but so is contentment and joy. If we deprive our mind and spirit of comfort, we will decline.
But, how?
If you recognize this behavior in yourself, the constant denying of pleasure for your soul, you most likely agree that you are dying. You probably have moments of stifling anxiety and days and nights of almost unbearable depression. Insomnia is your norm. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” If your heart is dying, your heart just may be dying. There is such a thing as dying from a broken heart. It’s real. The sadness of missing a whole lot of life is deep and tortuous. There is always a melancholy note hanging onto everything that you do. Start small…or…just make a clean sweep of everything that you truly know to be wrong in your life. If you’re not sure of what’s wrong just take a step. You will know what that step is. It’s that thought that brings a tear to your eye. It’s that soft spot that you have to ease by to perform. It’s that longing that beckons. Take just one step towards your freedom…the rest will follow.
The Basics
1-Nutrition, get it right. Follow David’s Way. Don’t eat sugar. Get plenty of protein and fewer carbs.
2-Rest, we cannot repair our broken parts unless we sleep and stuff gets broken every day. Get some sleep. Just do it.
3-Exercise, preferably some type of strength training. It does a body good. (Always consult your physician before starting any exercise program.)
4-Find your “Sweet Spot”, the thing that makes you glow, that warms your mind, soul and body, that makes you burn the midnight oil and makes it difficult to get enough sleep, and live it. Our mental health must be equal to our physical health and our physical health is necessary for our mental health. They cannot be separated.
Others
There are those that will try to stop you in your quest for health. They are usually jealous or want to use you for their benefit. Focus. If they don’t want you healthy, I question their feelings for you. Prioritize your health and they will also benefit if you allow them in your life. You will accomplish great things and they will be along for the ride.
Holiday Priorities
Remember, as we go through this season of food and festivity that people who aren’t living healthy will not want you to do so. You are a constant reminder of what they should be doing. Don’t allow them to influence you to go off the rails or you will regret it. Instead, set an example of what enjoying a healthy holiday looks like. We have plenty of festive recipes and health advice right here on Davids Way to see you through. It’s free. Take advantage of it. We live it every single day. It works. ;-*
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-is-the-mind-body-connection