When I hear one mention a phrase like ‘The Gift of Health’ I immediately think “Hey I’m not feeling particularly healthy right now so where do I go to get in on this gift of health? Where’s the line to sign up? “
Yeh right…as if it could be so simple as to be at the right place at the right time for the passing out of this gift that I want in my life. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like I’m falling apart at the knees (or any other crucial joints). I’m indeed grateful that my body gets me from Point A to Point B without much trouble. However, I need to confess to feeling there is a lack of wellness and health that seems to elude me… as if hovering just beyond my reach.
I’m talking about the kind of health that wraps my mind, body and spirit in a type of cocoon and has me feeling like I’m in an ideal place. It’s not a perfect place (as I don’t believe perfection exists on earth) but it is a place where progress reigns instead of a myriad of stresses.
Thus lies the one of the greatest challenges to health and to an estimated 60 percent of the population. -Stress.
Consider these few tidbits related to Stress:
WebMD reports that stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart, problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.
It’s also been estimated that 75-90% of doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) views stress as a hazard in the workplace. Stress and job stress in particular can lead to poor health and even injury.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has funded research that suggests that stress hormones produced when our bodies are in prolonged heightened states can inhibit brain function and possibly stifle achievement.
And finally as if we needed this confirmation, The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has labeled COVID-19 as an “emerging, rapidly evolving situation”. The issues of living through a global health crisis are affecting us all in countless ways and leaving many to feel overwhelmed. Such feelings can lead to emotional turmoil and personal health crises when especially left unaddressed. The NIMH strongly advocates the importance of managing stress and getting the necessary support to do so most effectively.
Well, that’s a lot to take in. While it’s not particularly all encouraging, it’s knowledge and where there’s knowledge there is power. There is power to use the given information to embark upon a new path or a plan for your own personal well-being and health. So let’s start here. How willing are you to take steps to embrace the gift of health right now? Think about an action you would be willing to take from the suggestions below.
- Get into the health cause of the month. Case in point – April is Stress Awareness Month.
This initiative to enhance health is backed by several national and international organizations seeking to draw attention to the harmful affects of negative stressors while also promoting helpful coping strategies. A web search can turn up countless results. The most frequently suggested actions to better deal with the stress in your life often involve :
- Proper nutrition from a balanced diet
- Adequate sleep
- Regular exercise and physical activity
- Meditation and/or states of mental relaxation
- Support found in connections to positive minded others and/or in deepening one’s spiritual life
2. Ask yourself The Big Question – What is that one thing I can do today that will help to reduce my stress load and help me to be/feel healthier?
If all this health talk seems abit much to tackle on your own or you’re feeling that you have to manage your stress alone, you are in luck. There are a variety of resources available and life coaching is one of them.
Coaching is an option for those willing to take action in the present in order to step into their desired future.
With coaching you have the opportunity to explore and grow holistically. Whatever goals you have become the priority whether personal, professional, relational, physical, financial or spiritual.
A personal life coach cares about all the ways you may be struggling and will do what’s needed to best support you in achieving success.
Consider how coaching can help you to overcome the negative stressors in your life and more healthily navigate through challenging times.
Your health and wellness matter. It’s a valuable gift already is within your possession. Choose today to savor your Gift of Health fully.