Choosing What is Necessary vs What is Important
We all find time to do what we really want to do. - William Feather
When I talk to people I always hear: "I don't have time to exercise" or "I don't have time to cook". Many people have jobs that take up a lot of time and if it's not that it's often family that eats up our time. But I will tell you this: if you do not take time for health and fitness now, you must make time for being sick later. And it will also cost you more later so it is best to invest in your health now.
When I ask people what is important to them these are the common responses I get:
- Money to live
- Food
- Job
- Family/kids
- Friends
But I ask you, what is necessary for you to enjoy all of these things? The answer is your health. Without your health you can not work to make money to buy food for your family. Without your health you may not be able to spend time with family and friends the way you want to. Without your health you may not be able to enjoy daily activities. 80% of what you spend on health care will be spent during the last ten years of your life if you do not take charge now. Those last ten years should be spent seeing and doing what you've always wanted to do, not in hospital bed watching the world pass you by.
So now that you understand taking time for your health is important here are some tips to get fitness and nutrition into your life.
- First lets tackle this idea of you can't make time. Of course you can't make time, there's only 24 hours in a day! But you can take time for what is necessary. It's all in what you do with the 24 hours you are given. If you make exercise a part of your daily routine, say just before or after work, it becomes part of your day and not something extra you have to do.
- If you can't get to the gym you can always do video workouts or play with your kids Wii. Have you played any of these dance games? They are so much fun and burn a ton of calories. You can also hire a personal trainer that comes to your home and that saves travel time.
- Squeeze in a workout on your lunch hour. Take a walk before eating lunch or do some office aerobics/exercises. You can do push ups on the wall or off your desk, crunches off the floor or seated, jumping jacks or run in place.
How about finding time to cook? I've got tips for you right here:
- Plan your meals ahead of time. Know what you are going to be cooking and set an intention.
- Choose one day to do all your prep work. All you need is a couple hours on one day to cut your vegetables, marinate your meats, cook your dried beans and make any sauces as well as salads. This way all you have to do is slap it together the day of in 20 minutes or less.
- Make meals that you can eat more than once. Cook once, eat three times. Excellent example are chili, soups, stews and casseroles.
You must take time for what is necessary for you to go about your daily life. There are two things we take for granted until it is gone money and our health. Don't let your health hold you back from the things you love to do and the things that are important to you. Need help finding the time? Contact me and lets get you living healthy and living longer.
Jason C. Venckus CPT, PES &
H.C.
Owner Progressive Complete Health