Thought for the Week
Many New Year’s Resolutions are pie-in-the-sky (for diet resolution-ists, make that celery-sticks-in-the-sky); they’re doomed because they’re viewed as niceties, not necessities.
But health, the number one resolution subject, is a necessity. Why? Because we’re complex creatures, and deteriorating physical health can decimate everything we have: Our emotions, our ability to think clearly and make good decisions; our careers and financial stability; our relationships; our spiritual well-being; and eventually our lives.
I once saw a doctor regarding recurring knee pain. This old-school M.D. advised me, between his heavy smoker’s hacks, to stop exercising and “just live with it.” So I dropped him (he probably didn’t have long to live, anyway). And in his place, I found an exercise-friendly doctor who advised a zero-tolerance policy toward health issues.
It took a few years and a lot of trial-and-error, but I eventually learned how to modify my work-out routine to incorporate knee-strengthening exercises and other types of physical therapy.
Similarly, last year, after being diagnosed with artery blockage, I adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward high blood pressure. Problem: I’m a writer, and my heart doesn’t like me sitting at a desk–it wants me to be constantly active (in its heart-of-hearts, it really wants me to be a construction worker). Solution: I now break up my writing sessions with lots of little movement and therapy breaks. Finally, after a bajillion modifications in my schedule, and a veritable flood of blood-pressure readings, my symptoms have almost disappeared.
But “almost” isn’t enough.
I’ll be at this for as long as it takes, which will probably be the rest of my life. Because, while there are things toward which a “just live with it” approach makes sense (our cat clawing the hallway carpet),
Health isn’t one of them.
Good for you, Mitch. There has been far too little emphasis on health and self-care lately, just admonitions to flee and hide from disease. Contrary to popular guidelines, we can’t completely avoid viruses – the majority of people who have tested positive were regular mask wearers. The best defense against disease is our God-given immune system. Ironically, one of the worst things for that system is fear. Also ironic: vitamin D is crucial for good health, and a lot of people get most of their D from sunshine. But last summer, with beaches and pools closed, people in hot climates spent the summer inside, out of the sun. Regular exercise is also crucial, and yet gyms everywhere were closed. I could go on, but bottom line question – are we spinning our wheels? 🤨
Yeah…knees. Hips. Eyes. Ears. Blood Pressure….Laughter, compassion, acceptance, and creativity all required. Thanks for your contributions along those lines.
And than you, Rita.
Happy New Year, and thank you for this important, because very adviceful posting. Yes, health counts! Best wishes, Michael
Thanks, Michael, you too!
Thank you very much, Mitch! Enjoy your week! Michael
Cheers to your health! I always recommend people listen to their bodies and adjust – no one else knows them like they do! 🙂
Very true.
Good health to you in the coming new year! Your getting up frequently while writing is a good idea, I sometimes have trouble doing this because I get in the writing zone and lose track of time!
Boy, do I know what you mean!
We must try!
Staying healthy is definitely one of my priorities. Thanks for the follow 🙂
A great reminder Mitch! I had knee problems and a torn rotator cuff. They said I needed surgery but I just kept right on working – the farm doesn’t allow much time off – and low and behold, the tear began to heal on it’s own. I have some chronic health issues. My doctor’s always amazed that I do so well. Sunshine, hard work, and doing something with purpose seems to be pretty good medicine…
Hey there Mitch.
Check out RunForGod.com
Click on Run Club and check out their “Couch to Marathon” program which starts soon and concludes in 2022 at Disney World. Happy New Year. All the best. Jerry
I will. And thanks, Jerry, wishing you the same!
I’m glad you’re here and followed the resolutions you knew needed to be absolutions! ♥️
Me too. ;>) Thank you, dear Karla.
You’re very welcome, Mitch! 🙂
Got my self a stand-up desk. I just have to remember to hit the button to go up and get the chair out of the way 🙂 Looking into a balance board … not sure how/if my creativity will suffer/soar 🤔
Me too, Heidi (standing desk option). Not sure about balance boards, though.
Agreed! Ironically locking down at home for long periods of time affects our health and makes us more susceptible to the very thing we are locking down to avoid! Therefore I committed to walking morning and night virtually every day about 2 months ago. It helps in so many ways. And now I just need to eat far less holiday snacks… 😁
Just before the second lock-down I bought a used elliptical machine in anticipation of not being able to go to the gym. Three times a week I “ellipt” (?) while listening to a good audiobook. But then, what I do with the rest of my time still needs some adjusting… 🙄
;>) I believe it’s a matter of present vs. past tense, Annie. I.e. “I will elip today in the same manner in which I elipt yesterday.”
Sounds like you need to find a hobby! Or a puzzle, those are good 🙂
;>)
Okay, Mitch , got a question for ya! I’m pondering the idea , based on what I’ve been reading , that some scientists believe that death can be eliminated. Is this your goal ? Seriously, is living forever an ideal we should be striving for ? What would that look like ?
Oh, I plan on living forever – just not here. 😉
Me, too! <3
Who knows, PK, if living forever will become possible in these bodies, or in modified ones. If the Lord tarries, perhaps. But I do know it won’t come as a surprise to God if it does. https://mitchteemley.com/2016/01/04/beyond-2016-the-future-of-the-human-race/
And, no, it’s not my goal to live forever in this body (I’m all for the spiritual one God has planned). However, as long as I’m in this one, it’s about quality of life. Longevity research isn’t just about living a long time, btw, it’s about living healthy for a long time.
Also , considering that modern technology has led to very inactive lifestyles, is more technology a good thing ? Any futuristic thoughts on where it will lead ?
This is pure spec, of course: https://mitchteemley.com/2016/01/04/beyond-2016-the-future-of-the-human-race/
Health, veery good topic for all readers. Thanks for your thoughts on this topic.
Couldn’t agree more!
Miamii / https://explorewithmii.com/
I love this. You are exactly right! And your comment about the doctor made me laugh. 🤍
Thank you, Heather. And good to meet you.
Just prayed for better health for you
Thank you.
God bless you
You too, James.
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Good for you Mitch! You’ve totally got this! 💪🏾
Will also be praying for you! 🙏🏾
Thank you, Tai!
You are most welcome!
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Looking after your health is the most important thing to do. After all, if you don’t have a good health, will that not impair your ability to work, make relationships, or even have fun? I can see looking after your health can be a tedious task, or even restrain your way of life because the right choices aren’t necessarily pleasant ones for some. However, for some people works when they have planned out which days they will work on their health, and which days they will treat themselves.
I wish you good luck with your health!
Thank you, you too!
Completely agree. This same thing has been on my mind and is the subject of the post I plan for tomorrow. I love your take-action approach! That’s the only way to win! I should peruse your other posts, but I’m a writer too and curious as to what you write?
Besides my blog, I write in various modes, Melissa: fiction, screenplays, an in-the-works memoir, more.
Nice
Wishing you a very healthy lifestyle!
This is so true, we all have so many career goals but between all those goals we really forget wour health and wellbeing. We should understand that without health none of those goals are ever gonna happen.
Thank you for this reminder
Arezoo