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Fitness is more than the lack of sickness or general good health. It's an overall foundation builder that creates mental and physical power. Nearly all of us have been on a Fitness roller coaster at some point. We reach a certain level and lose motivation and soon quit until the cycle starts up again. Usually this happens because of society's addiction to the quick fix. But when you consistently cultivate both your mind and body, you have the energy and mental sharpness to keep going over that hump, past that extra mile, to even greater achievements on the horizon.
The benefits of Fitness are widespread, from increased energy to a body and mind that will keep you around longer. Two major benefits that have a direct impact on your goals are: an increase of oxygen to the brain, and a reduction in stress hormones. You can boost each of these results by simply eating right, getting enough sleep, staying in shape and managing your stress.
The interaction between body and mind is crystal clear when talking about oxygen. Your brain needs loads of fresh oxygen to remember facts and to think clearly. Oxygen keeps brain tissue alive and synapse connections strong. To get a steady supply of the good stuff, you need large amounts of rich blood flowing to your brain. Aerobic exercise and proper breathing are just two ways to make this happen. But everything matters, all the way down to your posture. In fact, poor posture alone can decrease the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches your brain by up to 30%. Think about what this does to your ability to process sales figures in a meeting or to remember your Pin number.
Managing stress is one of the surest ways to use a strong mind to create a strong body. Doctors and hospitals regularly estimate that 70-80% of all patient visits are due to stress-related ailments. The top six causes of death in the United States can be linked to stress. Stress hormones assault your body in ways the medical community may have not even thought of yet. But their debilitating effects on the immune system, brain tissue and even vital organs are well-documented and widespread.
How can your mind prevent the damage stress inflicts? By removing stressful situations and controlling how you react to the ones that remain. Getting rid of self-inflicted stress (disorganization, procrastination, lateness) is a good start. It can be followed by a conscious decision to avoid certain stressors altogether (like a constantly negative coworker) and to find ways to relax.
Fitness makes your Goals fun too! Getting in shape and learning to think positively are no longer third-priority bonuses. They're crucial to reaching your goals. So playing basketball, swimming, reading, and getting plenty of sleep aren't wastes of your time. While you have a good time, you're working hard toward your goals! Fitness can be play time, but it's part of the core process of goal achievement not a trivial diversion.
Our clients have achieved big goals in the area of Fitness on the soccer field, on the track, in the doctor's office. But we've seen even bigger things happen when they use Fitness to go after other goals in their lives. Higher energy and mental performance make it possible.
Try these things today, and you'll soon develop better mental and physical Fitness:
- Take the stairs whenever possible.
- Play with kids.
- Eat slowly. Put down your fork or spoon between bites.
- Eat whole wheat bread, rice and pasta instead of the refined white versions.
- Make a specific plan for the next day before going to bed.
- Get up and leave 10 minutes earlier than you normally would.
- Keep a Sleep Log to see how much sleep you're really getting.
- Get plenty of sunlight or other bright light sometime in the day.
- Use paper towels instead of cloth towels in the kitchen, especially for meat juice.
- Floss those teeth.
- Keep caffeine intake low, and avoid it altogether within 4 hours before bed.
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