The Simplest Wellness Rule

Guess I'm in the mode this week of tips on really feeling better, so I'll stay with that and share the thing that I sometimes struggle with the most: listening to my body.

I think people go into programs of improving their health and wellness too rigidly--I know I do. I'm going to eat this many meals at these times, I'm going to train these ways this many times a week, etc. Of course, it's good to have a plan--in fact, essential to have a plan. But I also think I need to do a better job of listening to my body. 

Example: I've taken days off when I was full of energy because it was a scheduled rest day, and I've had days where I've trained when my body was screaming for an off day--all in the name of following a pre-set schedule. Now of course, there are days where we have to get through a few aches and pains to get our work in--if we only worked/trained when we completely felt like it, we never would. But I also think there is merit to listening to your body in the way you take care of it, especially in the areas of training, eating and sleeping.

Socially, we have a set schedule in our minds when we do things. We eat at these times because it's "lunch time", or go to bed at certain times because that's when always do. And I understand too that our work and family schedules dictate those patterns as well. But with a little planning, we can act on what our bodies tell us. Packing small meals to take to work in case our bodies tell us we are hungry. Sneaking in a 15-minute rest on an hour lunch break if we need a little down time. Where there is a will, there is a way...

Whatever you are doing with regards to your daily life and wellness, listen to what your body is telling you. If you need a day of rest from your exercise regimen, take it without guilt. If you are full, stop eating. If you are tired at the end of the night, go to bed. Your long-term health will thank you for it.