3 Steps to Building a Body that Will Endure Through the Decades
When my house was under construction, the builder adopted this mantra: "Build a home that "looks good and lasts a long time."
That phrase represented a value system that carried us through every step of our project. It impacted the countertops we chose and the bay window overlooking the woods. That belief helped us find the perfect wood to go on the ceilings that we would love for years to come. Everything was solid, well-built and beautiful. And most importantly, it was designed to be enjoyed and to last.
I imagine that all great architects and builders throughout history have had a similar motto when creating masterpieces such as the Taj Mahal and Eiffel Tower. These structures have lasted through the years and inspired generation after generation. They are the epitome of the "look good, last a long time" mindset.
Similarly, our bodies are beautifully designed structures. Most of us ultimately want the same two things we built into our house. We want our bodies to “look good and last a long time.”
Looking good means different things to different people, but no matter the definition, the end result is always a feeling of confidence. Confidence every time we put on something special or walk into a room. Confidence that we are taking care of our body.
Lasting a long time refers to our desire to live longer and still be able to do the activities we enjoy. The goal isn't simply to live to be old, but to live well for a long time. A great example of this is the Blue Zones, cities with the longest living citizens.
We become a builder of our bodies every time we make a decision about how to eat or when to exercise. Each decision is either building a lasting structure for the future or tearing it down prematurely.
The good news is that it doesn't have to be a hard or painful process. It can be built right into your workday and be as easy as 3 simple steps:
STEP ONE: Activate your workday.
No need to hit the gym or workout hard. Simple things like walking meetings and active work stations have been proven to improve long term health and vitality. The scientific theory supporting low-level movement is called N.E.A.T. which stands for non-exercise activity thermogenesis. (I wrote more about it here: Two Steps to Becoming a N.E.A.T.-er Person.) Low-level movement is the equivalent of knocking down the cobwebs, oiling squeaky joints, and keeping the plumbing operating smoothly for your body.
STEP TWO: Eat food that repairs damage.
Focus on eating food that does the body good. Spend more time trying to get nutritious foods into the body and less time worrying about restricting the 'bad' foods. The nutrient-dense foods will protect and repair cells while crowding out the less healthy options. One easy, research-based tool I love is the Daily Dozen by www.nutritionfacts.org. Just like old buildings need to withstand time, weather, and decay, our bodies are constantly under attack. Food that rebuilds cells will neutralize negative effects of aging and fortify the bones, organs, and immune system.
STEP THREE: Dissolve stress.
It's no fun to be stressed out all the time, and it's not good for long term health either. Stress is linked to weight gain, depression, chronic disease, and premature death. Take a few minutes everyday to de-stress. Activities like box breathing, feet up the wall, and zero gravity massage will help manage the pressure of life before a crack shows up in our foundation.
Now What?
Incorporating these three simple habits into your daily life and workplace will help you build a body that looks good and lasts.
by Stevyn Guinnip, MSEd