For many of us, when we think of “getting in shape”, we think of a healthy diet and regular exercise.  Having nourishing foods and daily movement as part of your routine is a great place to start.  But feeling your best requires looking at the WHOLE package.  And that includes ALL the different factors that have a direct impact on you each day.

Oftentimes overlooked, external forces such as your job, relationships or finances play a role in determining your energy level and overall sense of wellbeing.  If everything is going well in the world around you, you tend to feel light and energized.  However, if you are struggling with an unhealthy relationship or challenges at work, you are likely to carry that burden both mentally AND physically.

Start to think about “getting in shape” a bit differently.  Take inventory.  Look at the whole picture.  What is helping you to thrive?  AND what isn’t?  Create your own personal action plan for taking care of your whole self.

WHERE TO BEGIN?

Start building your own PERSONAL ACTION PLAN today. A few small changes today could lead to a more balanced and energized life down the road.

1.  WRITE IT DOWN
Spend a few minutes thinking about the external factors that are having the greatest impact on your health – both positively and negatively. Think of it as a simple exercise in awareness. No right answers. No quick fixes. Only an opportunity to see what parts of your life may deserve a little extra attention.

Below are 8 areas of everyday living that tend to have the greatest influence. Use these as a guide for organizing your thoughts on what’s working – and what’s not.

• Nutrition
• Family
• Relationships
• Career
• Spirituality
• Community
• Finances
• Movement

2.  ACT NOW
Look at your list and find a few things that you can change TODAY.  Getting soda out of your life once and for all.  Burying the hatchet with a co-worker.  Committing to a daily midday walk.  But don’t try to take on too much at once.  Set yourself up for success.  Create goals and to-dos that are truly attainable.

3.  PLAN FOR CHANGE
Unfortunately, not all change comes as easily.  There will certainly be one or two things on your list that will take time.  A stalled career, challenges with your partner or spouse, concerns about long-term financial planning.  But you need to start somewhere.  Begin building a plan.  Identify the things that you can do today, and over the months to come, that will move you towards a healthy and desirable resolution.

4.  DO IT (REALLY)
Hold yourself accountable. Or ask a friend or loved one to do it for you. Add due dates to your calendar. Say it out loud. Write it down. Whatever it takes to make it real. But do it. Because your health depends on it.

BONUS – and if you are feeling really ambitious, check-out our 21 Day Wellness Jumpstart program that we will be starting later this month – designed specifically for the busy person that just doesn’t know where to start. If you want to eat healthier, feel better, and get yourself moving again, join us and we’ll bring you through a guided 3 weeks to develop meaningful, healthy habits. (It includes meal plans, shopping lists, and recipes for a natural foods detox and more.)

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