Have you ever thought about how each tiny facet of your everyday life ultimately shapes the present version of YOU?
Let’s take a look at the following scenarios:
You’re the kind of person who seems to be able to do it all. You manage to juggle a busy career with tremendous pressure and responsibility, a family that needs and depends on you in a variety of ways, more social obligations than you can handle at times, and let’s not forget your overwhelming list of things to do!
With so many commitments in your life, something’s gotta give: and for you, that something is sleep.
Or, how about this one:
It happens to be a time of year where you find yourself invited to a number of parties and there’s NO WAY you can imagine being there only to turn down the chance to eat the amazing appetizers, decadent desserts, and ummm….forgoing alcohol? What fun would that be??
Not. A. Chance.
Can you relate? (We have all been there, trust me).
You have just entered the domain of The Lifestyle Pillar, my friend.
This Pillar comprises our home and work environment, relationships, culture, sleep schedule, stress levels and so much more! Our everyday LIFE events matter more than much more than we realize. If we are able to slow down enough and pay closer attention to what we are saying, thinking and doing, it becomes more clear that each of these smaller pieces adds up and contributes to the overall state of our Lifestyle Pillar of Health.
If you’re thinking this Pillar is a challenging one, you’re right!
I mean, we can’t exactly just get rid of our spouse because they insist on sleeping with the television on.
And how are you supposed to quit smoking if your roommate keeps puffing away at home?
Should you stop hanging out with your best friend because they’ve been in the worlds longest rut, and it feels like they’re sucking the very life out of you?
And as for work－Well, you could be healthier if only there was a way for you to overcome the pressure to attend the countless social events filled with cocktails and unhealthy foods.
Do you give up your favorite family tradition of going out for breakfast on Sunday because you want to make positive changes to your life?
All of these scenarios are challenging. But here’s the thing: It’s far more challenging when it’s just us trying to make changes on our own. It can make a HUGE difference if we have an experienced person in our corner providing direction and guidance. Groups are also helpful－ especially groups of like-minded individuals who are trying to overcome similar challenges.
It’s extremely important to surround yourself with people who support your goals. Life becomes so much easier when you have someone who can help you solve problems where you truly saw no solution. The Lifestyle Pillar is an important part and with the right tools in your toolbox, you can make solid progress in achieving lifelong wellness.
Take some time to think about the lifestyle factors that might be a roadblock on your journey and how can you redirect yourself to a better path?
Each Pillar of Health is just as important as the others. Our ultimate goal should be to achieve a state of balance in each pillar so that we can experience optimal health and greater happiness. Check out the links below to learn more about the other pillars.
Please, feel free to reach out. I would love to connect. Personal training and coaching are just a few of the ways I can help support you on your journey.
