Self improvement can be defined as reforming behavior by eliminating vices from your lifestyle. One of the most effective ways to accomplish self-improvement is to take charge of your health. There are many ways to approach getting healthy including a better diet, exercise, and ending bad habits. But, the process starts with seeing your physician for a complete physical. Embarking on the road to better health leads to many changes that will not only improve your quality of life, but will also make you a better person.
Physical ailments affect mood, stress levels, and clarity of thought. For example, any type of chronic pain (headaches, muscle and joint pain, toothaches) has an adverse affect on mental clarity, personal and professional relationships, levels of activity/productivity, quality of sleep, and stress levels. The human body is an interdependent series of systems. If there is a breakdown in one, then the others rally to compensate for the malfunction. However, if steps are not taken to repair the damage, then the body functions in a state of imbalance. Prolonged imbalance in the body leads to disease. If bad habits are the cause of physical ailments, then working to change those behaviors will improve health while increasing confidence, discipline, and self-control.
An article on FitnessHealth101.com entitled, “Total Health, Fitness, and Well-Being”, offers seven key physical components to overall good health, fitness, and mental well-being (Total Health, Fitness, and Well-Being):
- Cardiovascular/Aerobic Conditioning
- Strength Training and Muscular Development
- Stretching – Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons
- Core Stability
- Nutrition and Supplementation
- Mental Rest and Relaxation
- Sleep
It has been well-documented that your weight is a reflection of your overall health and one of the most significant contributors to diabetes, heart disease, depression, and some cancers. Achieving a healthy weight can be accomplished by eliminating junk food, eating the right foods in the proper proportions, exercising at least 3 days per week for 30-minute periods, increasing water intake ,meditation, and getting adequate quality sleep. These efforts will be thwarted, however, if other bad habits persist.
Many people smoke, use drugs, consume alcohol, and drink excessive amounts of caffeine to cope with emotional stress and trauma. Use of these stimulants stops the brain from producing serotonin (the “feel good” hormone) which makes kicking these habits more difficult. The solution is to seek out therapies that will heal the spirit and find new ways to cope with life’s challenges and disappointments. Conquering fears and doubts will lead to self improvement and empowerment.
Health and wellness is achieved by addressing the whole body. This concept is critical to self improvement. No one becomes a better person without changing the way they think, feel, and act. If you value your life, you will take steps to improve the way you live and increase your longevity. It takes a better outlook and better strategies to attain better health. In the end, you will become a better you.
Works Cited
Total Health, Fitness, and Well-Being. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2012, from FitnessHealth101.com: http://www.fitnesshealth101.com/fitness/general/key-components/well-being
Leave a Reply