Germain Galvez, Certified Health Coach
Contributed
How are you spending your time?
Of all the health advice we are exposed to, it can sometimes be all for naught if our schedules don’t concur.
You see, we all have 24 hours a day to spend on whatever we freely choose. Your time is valuable – actually the most valuable of all possessions because it is what we all have the least of. It is inevitable that our time must be spent on something as this great planet spins around and around. So, how and where we spend our time can have a great impact on our health. It can very well mean the difference between sickness and wellness.
They say if you want to know a man’s priorities take a look at his schedule.
These days the vast majority of us have demanding careers to go along with spouses, children, family commitments, classes, errands, friends, chores and worship all requiring their share of our precious time. We also have a great desire to take steps to improve our health.
Surely we are tough enough and able to balance all these demands in our lives, right? Well I’m going to make you aware of a little secret: You Can’t. Yet, the majority of us find ourselves in a perpetual race against time in efforts to balance all the demands we carry in our lives. Unfortunately, we simply were not designed to handle that amount of stress for such a long period of time.
Many demands + Lack of time = Stress
In our attempt to show we are worthy to balance so many demands, we often forget to give time to the most important person – ourselves. The truth is if we don’t find ways to make time for our health, then we will find ourselves on the road toward chronic stress.
Chronic stress can impact our health in a multitude of ways and can also affect those around us. Statistics show chronic stress can manifest into mood disorders, chronic diseases, weight gain, and a decreased quality of life.
So why do we choose to balance so many demands?
In my experience as a health coach, I’ve noticed many people who are excited to try new diet and lifestyle options find it challenging to incorporate them into their busy lives. Although they may learn what to do, they find it difficult to do because of a lack of time. Do you find yourself saying, “I don’t have enough time?” If you find yourself grabbing for another coffee or energy drink to push you to the next thing you have to do, allow me to bring you some good news – there is a better way.
Feel like making a change?
If you find yourself exhausted from running the perpetual race against time, then may I encourage you to pursue and discover the clarity of knowing exactly what you desire out of life? It will assist you in identifying how you want to spend your time. Not sure where to start? Let me suggest a few steps that may help you on that journey. Now these steps may sound simple but it actually takes strong willpower to execute.
Ready? Here we go…
- Ask yourself what isn’t benefiting you. What doesn’t need to be in your life? What is bringing you excessive stress? Keeping you awake at night?
- Once you identify these things, fix them or get rid of them. Now.
- Think of where you want to spend your time and ask yourself: What do you truly want in your life? What can benefit your health? Who do you want to be with? What is your purpose? Focus your energy on incorporating these things. Anything that doesn’t comply within this larger picture – let it go. And yes, learn to say “no”.
Making time for what you want to do rather than what you need to do can go a long way in improving your health. Some circumstances may be more challenging than others, but I assure you, we have the power within us to make changes. Give these tips a try and discover how much more harmonious your life can be. No balance required.
