Thought for the Week: Here’s One Absolutely Necessary Resolution
Why So Many New Year’s Resolutions Are Doomed
Because they’re pie-in-the-sky (for diet resolution-ists, make that celery-sticks-in-the-sky); they’re not perceived as absolutely necessary. In other words, they’re a nicety, not a necessity.
But health, the number one resolution subject, is a necessity. 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 for Back Pain
Amazingly, the very old-school M.D. told me, between heavy smoker’s hacks, to “avoid using it.” “How do I avoid using my back?” I asked. “Well, then, just live with it,” he replied. 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 me to adopt a lifelong zero-tolerance policy toward health issues. And I’ve never forgotten that advice.
And Now?
Last year, I was succesfully tested and treated for near-record-level tachycardia (extra heartbeats). But keeping the condition at bay requires an active schedule. Don’t “just live with it,” I remind myself. Zero tolerance, remember? So I take a daily exercise break. But it’s not enough.
Problem: I’m a writer, and my heart doesn’t like me sitting at a desk all day. It wants me to stay constantly active (in its heart-of-hearts, it really wants me to be a construction worker). And my whiny tailbone agrees. So I’ve started taking 10-minute “think walks” every hour. In other words, I keep writing in my head while I walk. I also do a few on-the-hoof therapy stretches. I’ve come to love those breaks. And the results are palpable.
So, I’ll Keep At It for as Long as It Takes
Which will be the rest of my life. Because there are some things you can “just live with,” but dying isn’t one of them.
If the walks are outside, even better. God has prescribed naps for me (3-4/day) with a short walk afterwards. Yes, look forward to them! (Gastro doc this afternoon. . . )
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My Fitbit buzzes my wrist at 10 minutes to the hour from 9 am to 6 pm, to remind me to move. I suspect that I might grow roots if I didn’t pay attention to it, at least once in a while. You’re right of course, Mitch, and I’m glad you were young enough when you changed doctors to make permanent changes in lifestyle. It’s a bit harder for me; I’ll be 80 in a few weeks. My chronic pain provides both reason to and excuse not to get up and move. Stick to it, my friend, and stay healthy!
Likewise, Gail❣
Health!!! God bless you 🎁🤍🌟🤍🌈
You too, Norma!
I relate, Mitch! As one who is a BIT 🙄 ADD, I ‘m one of those who get distracted all the time, except when I’m HYPERfocused, which happens when I write. I try to get up and walk around every 20 minutes (Maybe every hour is more realistic.), but I HATE breaking my train of thought. Maybe I’ll try your “Think walk” every hour and just do the 20-20-20 thing that was recommended for eye health: look away from the screen at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
I’ll try the 20-20-20 thing, Annie. Thanks!
Thank you for taking care of yourself, Mitch. And being an inspiration for me to do the same!
My pleasure, Abe!
I see this as a positive affirmation for the year. Be well and good health to you!
Amen, Darnell!
At the clinic in Portland, I always look out the window at the nurse is gathered around smoking on their cigarette breaks.
Oy!
Your response to your health concern is a really good one. I’m going to take your advice and take walk and stretching breaks.
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Necessary, not nice-to-have. Well said.
Yes, health is not a resolution. It is a practice.
Exactly, Rakesh.
I appreciate your thoughts! Over the past several years, I’ve become a professional sitter. Which can be, as you suggest, life-shortening. My only goal for this year (physically speaking) is to sit less and walk more. It has been easier than I thought it would be, but it also means bundling up some days as I live in the Northeast. But I’m already seeing the benefits. 🙂
God created us to move and be productive.
Thanks for the reminder and encouragement!
He did indeed, Scott. Walk on, my friend!
At 88 in cold weather, my indoor bike and small weights for arms are pretty much all I do, but have been keeping pretty faithful to those while watching TV……sometimes if TV is riveting….forget to pedal, so stretch it to an hour and a bit more to cover the gaps.
I love your simple easy to incorporate approach to making sure your health is a priority.
I’m still wondering why the old-school M.D said live with it 🤔
I think his generation of doctors were only taught how to do medical procedures. They simply didn’t think in terms of lifestyle changes or exercise.
I like the idea of the 10 minute think walk every hour. I’ve never tried it, but I imagine the brain will continue brain-storming for the 10 minutes.
Excellent post, thanks for sharing
My pleasure, L.G.
Thanks for the positive feedback, Mitch, on the intermittent exercise routine–also recommended to me for my “issues.” I’ll have to try “think-walking!”
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Ten minutes out of every hour! That is inspiring for sure. I’ve lately been happy if I get ten minutes a day, but because of you I will try harder!
Onward and upward, Gretchen!
I take my cell phone recorder with me on walks. I then cheat. I enter it into GROK and ask for a transcription.
Hey, it’s only a smart phone when it’s used smartly.
A close friend shared an idea from Dr. Peter Attia that’s really stuck with me: instead of lifespan, focus on healthspan — the number of years we live *well.* For me, that’s meant shifting from high intensity workouts to more walking, yoga, and light strength training. It’s training for the life I want later — being able to lift my carry on into the overhead bin so I can visit my grandkids, and standing up from the floor without making noises that scare the dog. Your 10-minute “think walks” will be a great addition to this new routine!
“Healthspan” is a very sound idea, Tracy. Interestingly, I understand the the distinction between longevity and health research is blurring more and more all the time.
“Think walks”…I love it! 💝
I love your think walks. What a great idea!
Your simple and very doable habit to improve your health is a fabulous idea for anyone who wants to continue breathing. 🙂
;>)
so important to remember that we are the managers of our own lives and no one can do this for us. We need to make the decision and then act on it. It great that you are loving this and are seeing/feeling good results.
Thanks, Ruth, and right you are.
Mitch, I also have back issues and have embraced a lifestyle of near daily vigorous walking. I tell people, some people like to exercise. But I must. If I don’t, my back deteriorates immediately. In the fight….!
Me too, Sue!
Great share, Mitch! *Health
Thanks, T!
You’re welcome.
AMEN Mitch!! I keep walking as well, keeps my heart happy!
Indeed, Carolyn, that’s the way we’re made❣
I love walking, but it’s too easy to sit for too long, to finish whatever you are writing or doing on the computer. To get up every hour and move around is an excellent intention ( better word than resolution ) and walking with no earbuds just your writing ideas, is perfect.
Hope that works for you, Janet.
God bless you, Mitch. 🙏🏼
Why, thank you, Iman. And God bless you.
Why? For walking and writing and keeping us all inspired.
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“Think walks.” I love it! Thanks, Mitch!
My pleasure, Dana. And good to hear from you!
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Yes! Think walks. One of our pastors asks God to show him which illustrations would work best for upcoming messages as he does his jogs. I do what I call prayer bounces. I use a mini-trampoline for exercise. I have learned that if I pray while bouncing, my prayers are more intense and I don’t mind the exercise as much.
And you’re just a little closer to heaven when you bounce. ;>)
Excellent advice.
Which fit in nicely to what I refer to as five finger mantras.
Anchoring words or syllables into one’s hand to remember clever consciousness changers. It could apply to so many things, that ought not be tolerated.
Don’t just live with it
Zero tolerance
Do something different
Sounds like your ex-doctor was doling out the advice he gives to himself. That smoker’s hack has a self-cure, but instead he chooses to just live with it, even though it will expedite his demise.
How ironic, coming from a “health” professional.
Indeed it was, Angelo.
I love the idea that resolutions should be necessary, not just nice to have – what makes a resolution feel truly necessary to you? 🤔
One that I know I was created to use. (Thanks for your feedback, Marcus!)
Mitch, Wonderful post! I love your idea of 10 minute “think walks” ever hour.
nice
This landed hard; your take on commitment felt real and pushed me to want to live with more intention.
Nice
Great post, this msy compliment it:
https://kevharveyausten.wordpress.com/2026/01/20/the-kha-natural-eating-method/
This is an important reminder that taking care of our bodies is not just a chore. It is essential for a life worth living.