Do you devote time to being a better you? Part II
Yesterday we talked about becoming a better intellectual you by spending some time reading books and studying subjects that interest you. Today, lets talk about the physical you. Let me preface this section by saying that today, I am talking to myself as much as anyone else.
What do you do to maintain your physical self? In my mind, there are two parts to taking care of yourself physically. The first part is being physically healthy, going to the doctor on a regular basis, making sure that everything is in good working order, and when its not, making sure you get the medical attention you need. When you pay attention to your physical health you will, in general, just feel better. By paying attention to your health, you will typically recognize when something is not right more quickly that if you ignore warning signs.
Of course, there are going to be diseases that some of us will acquire that are can be debilitating and even fatal. The best we can do is follow the advice of our doctors to make the remaining time we have as fulfilling as possible.
One important consideration with your physical health is to be open and honest with your mate (or potential mate) about any conditions you may have. These are important conversations to have because in some cases, your mate may need to become a care giver. If your mate is not up for this task, you will need to seek other alternatives for regular care. These are important conversations to have even if you are currently healthy and they become more important as you age. Understanding what your mate will and will not (or cannot) do is important for planning your future care.
The second part of this is being physically fit. Physical fitness does not necessarily mean that you are going to be working out in a gym 5 to 7 days a week or training for a triathlon. It does mean getting out of bed a little earlier in the morning and exercising whether it is doing some weight training, going for a brisk walk, run, a bike ride or other activity. Or, it could mean not settling into your favorite chair or the couch in the evening. Instead, get up and move. The same workouts mentioned above can be done in the evening. It just depends on your schedule and your preference. If you need some additional motivation, workout with your mate, a friend, or hire a trainer to make yourself move.
We all want to look better and feel better physically. This doesn't just happen by it's self. The hardest part of any physical activity is getting started. Once you get moving, it is easier to stay moving. There are a couple of side benefits to being in better physical condition. First and foremost, better physical fitness generally leads to better physical health. Second, better physical fitness can lead to better self-esteem. Third, better physical fitness can lead to better relationships especially if you can encourage each other to remain physically fit.
It is always important to check with your physician before starting an exercise and/or weight loss program.
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