A stronger 2022
Hiking though the redwood forest along California’s Lost Coast.
Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever; And take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow. -St Augustine
Health is dependent on many facets. This makes up our physical and spiritual well-being and affects how we eat, sleep, manage stress, and interact with community. Health promotes personal growth, play, work-life balance and a nourishing environment (Reform Wellness Inc).
Health is also about our relationships with God, ourselves and others; the way we respond to stress; how we interact in community; and so on. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
A holistic approach to understanding yourself is the key to being able to continue to grow into the person God is calling you to be. As St Francis de Sales said, “Be who you are and be that well. So that you may bring honour to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are.”
So, what are some habits that can help us to be stronger in 2022?
Start small and build a good foundation.
Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time to build a routine. Lifting heavy weights without the proper instruction of technique will wreck you, no matter how cool it may look. Ask for help, try an introduction to the gym program, think about what your functional goals might be.
Recover harder than you train, with adequate rest and recovery.
Seek professional help if you are not sure where to start.
Eat well but not restrictively.
Abs are made in the kitchen, and you cannot out-exercise a bad diet. Try the swap method: instead of a chocolate bar, have some fruit etc. You don’t have to stop eating everything you like, it’s all about balance and discipline.
Do something you like, with friends and/or as a family.
People function well in community and the best way to encourage yourself to train or exercise more is with a friend. Accountability is a powerful tool.
Families should learn to play together! Bushwalking is a great activity and works for all ages.
Consistent and persistent.
Small changes to your routine steadily accumulate. This is far more effective than a crash and burn method. Consistency is key.
Recalibrate – if you don’t reach a goal, recalibrate with a resilient mindset. Don’t give up as failure is only a step to success not an obstacle.
Purpose, prior planning, patience, persistence and perseverance.
These principles also apply to building a prayer life, which when approached with the same discipline – will yield results. Placing Christ at the centre of your life and wellbeing is the cornerstone from which we can strive toward holiness in body, mind and soul.
- Marci Oringo is ACU’s Campus Associate
What a great article