The title here is a little tongue-in-cheek. I often comment about how annoying I find these “(Insert number—usually 5)” lists of things you should/should not be eating or exercises you should/should not be doing, etc. Most are nonsense, particularly when you consider that they are published in magazine or blogs that offered a different list the week before. So, this is not an absolute list, but I am going to offer three activities, i.e., habits, that I find helpful in keeping one “well-centered.”
As I wrote recently, as I have considered the dimensions of well-centered fitness: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social, I have come to see these as not only circular—that is, interdependent and of equal importance—but also stacked like a pyramid. Forming the base of the pyramid is the Spiritual and Physical dimensions. These are the heart and the core of who we are and what shapes us as a person. Without Spiritual and Physical health, we cannot possibly grow in the other dimensions. The next building block in the pyramid is the Intellectual dimension. Knowledge is discerned according our Spiritual and Physical foundation, but also fuels our further growth in these areas. On top of the Intellectual, we build our Emotional dimension. This again feeds down and further grows the other dimensions. At the peak of the pyramid is the Social dimension—our interactions and relationships with other. Relationships cannot be healthy without the solid foundation of the other dimensions. At the same time, it is the social nature of our being that drives growth in the other dimensions. Hence, our well-centeredness is three-dimensions. Our dimensions build upon one another, but are, at the same time dependent upon the others for growth. So, the habits we shape are critical to the balance in our lives.
So, the 3 things you should start doing TODAY are:
- Journal.
Journaling is one of the daily disciplines that help keep one on track with growing themselves and accomplishing one’s goals. Ideally, this is done first thing in the morning to set the course for the day. I have discussed journaling before (and will likely discuss it further in the future). We live in an age where everything is hurried and we communicate electronically in truncated thoughts. While some might prefer to type into a journal, I am still more “old school” and prefer pen and paper. This helps me engage more with the thoughts I am processing in my head.
In short, journaling is private time during which one explores one’s ideas, goals, values, concerns, etc.—pretty much anything that is going on in one’s head. In my opinion, the most crucial element of journaling is that it be positive. Even if one is anxious and frustrated, the journal entry should work toward putting a more positive twist of what concerns him/her.
If you are not journaling, try it. Don’t worry about what you should or should not include. Just start. Write and let your thoughts carry you. Over time, your approach will evolve, and the process will grow increasingly rewarding.
- Exercise.
Do I really have to tell you to do this?
Exercise and increased physical activity can, perhaps, be the most important health decision you make, today. Exercise is a case where more is always better (up to a point—but, face it, unless you are a professional athlete and spending the better part of your day in the gym, you are not overdoing exercise). True you might do too much of the wrong stuff and get hurt or over-train, but it is not likely that you are doing too much. In fact, you are probably struggling to do enough. So, begin by setting aside some time and do what you are able. Remember: opportunity cost.
Schedule exercise into your day. Do something. Now, I don’t buy into the programs marketing “4-minute”, “7-minute”, “12-minute”, etc. workouts (as being all you need to do). If your time is that limited (and, if you really look as how you are spending your day, it is not), then these are better than nothing, though realize that the gains will be minimal (nowhere near as pronounced as the “professionals” proclaim). Doing something will get your started and begin to build habits. As exercise becomes a routine, doing it better becomes easier.
- Drink water.
Drinking water throughout the day can help develop discipline that will aid in developing other growth habits. Try drinking 8 ounces of water every waking hour. If you sleep for 8 hours, then you are awake for 16 hours. Sixteen 8-ounce glasses of water is one gallon of hydration. Breaking hydration up into small servings makes it easier to drink ample fluids. Setting a timer on drinking water takes discipline. Building discipline takes practice. It takes action. So, drinking water at regular intervals is not only healthy, but it can also help you establish the discipline create other essential habits.
So, here you have them. The three most important things you can do today. (I could have made it five by including reading for 30 minutes and engaging in a “15-minute check-in” with your spouse or partner, but baby steps.”
Be your best today; be better tomorrow!
Carpe momento!