“I’m fine”, I said to myself. A routine issue had made my blood boil, and I had let everyone know about it. I was as surprised at myself, as everyone else. With my heart pumping, red in the face and , feeling utterly weird I stomped out there with head held high. I was fine! Yeah – sure!
Time to change?
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Afterwards, I could not recognise myself, my reaction nor blood pressure spike. Now I know that my lifestyle was jeopardising my health – and that the very definition of what health was at the core of my problem. It was a wakeup call.
Do you have any signs that tell you that change is needed?
The relationship between health and lifestyle
Health according to The World Health Organization is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” and “the main determinants of health include the social and economic environment, the physical environment, and the persons’ individual characteristics and behaviours”.
Lifestyle is linked with long-term individual health as this is what a person can take control over based on decisions and choices. The ability to adapt and change habits will improve your health. Lifestyle choices to food, exercise, sleep, alcohol, smoking are key to longevity and preventing health issues. Stress management, relaxation, and learning how to problem solve and plan time is also an important part – as is learning to say ‘no’ and ‘yes’.
The relationship between lifestyle and health is not often talked about in a stressful office – nor indeed when ‘saving the world’ or working for those that ‘do good’. It does sometimes get discussed in an organisation after someone has become ill, collapsed, and left on a suggested longer ‘leave’.
Lets face it! While we can argue that wellness and occupational health should be at the top of the agenda of employers – it will take quite a while before this happens. SO – It is up to the individual to make lifestyle health choices now.
Lifestyle changes are for long-term health, wellbeing and overall enhancement of all facets that are part of your life.
Are you fine too? Are you thinking about making some Lifestyle changes? Or – Do you need to think about it?
“Our own physical body possesses a wisdom which we who inhabit the body lack. We give it orders which make no sense.”
Henry Miller
It’s your choice…your life
The GOODista Blog 