CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE
By Judith Ashton
Have you ever seen a sign that reads, “Help Yourself” ? and sometimes we can be hesitant…. Something is offered for free…. What’s the catch?
We are often suspicious when something is simply free to be taken away.
We can help ourselves to free things… free samples or unwanted whatevers…but do we really know what “Help Yourself” can mean?
On the aeroplane we are told to fix our oxygen mask before tending to others…I believe by learning to help ourselves we can become empowered in so many ways.
Let’s take our own health as a prime example…Often times I can hear my Granny’s wisdom…More exercise, fresh air, sleep, good food and lots of water…simple good advice and yet society has embraced more complex ways of dealing with simple problems. A good example of this is the medication reached for as a solution to a hangover rather than downing a pint of simple water!
We need to realise that we can make so many healthy choices re our lifestyles. In Ireland we have a crisis of obesity and of diabetes…both of which may well cripple our already over extended health system. Did you know that lifestyle can be the cause? Research at Newcastle University shows that type 2 diabetes can go into remission after only 8 weeks on a special blood sugar diet. This is fantastic news and so empowering as patients can reverse their conditions with a decision and will power.
What is needed is motivation and a change of mindset.
Are there any small changes that YOU can make to improve your health. The lads at Nano physio in The Watershed are one such positive approach. Again so much research shows that by using weights people can increase their bone density and stave off osteoporosis (Dr. Belinda Beck You tube).This is another medical condition, that with an ageing, frailing, population will potentially cost the government a fortune in treatment … surgeries, prescriptions and all that goes with it in terms of the mental health effects of debility etc.
All we need is motivation and support and I know that sometimes this is hard to get but to create a habit takes approximately ten weeks and that ten weeks could be the best investment you will ever make.
So, from today, what change can you make in your lifestyle and as I mentioned at the start of the article , so many changes are free… gratis!
Might it simply be cutting out the sugar in your cuppa or the little sweet treat after lunch? You can cut things out and of course you can add things in… a piece of fruit here and there instead of a bar of choc.
As for exercise… how about a 30 min walk a day instead of sitting in front of the screen?
30 mins can be 6 x 5 mins round the block rather than a hike! Little moments can grow into big habits.
What, you may well ask, is the best exercise? Actually, it’s the one you enjoy! Simple as that.
This week Kilkenny has seen an explosion of creativity and people speaking about the value of art as a tool for wellbeing.
Crayons and paint are not just for kids…start creating and see how this calms you down.
Also, this is the time for courses and new beginnings in September. Check out what is happening in your area and sign up for something that you will enjoy and who knows what doors may open.
Help yourself… it’s a step in the right direction.
