“A healthy outside starts from the inside.” Robert Uric.

When considering what to write about this week, my mind went back to a previously published blog which has particular relevance for me personally at the current time. Firstly, because it talks about my dad, who is seriously ill presently. Secondly, because of the effects of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on the world this year. So, I have taken the opportunity to update the previous blog.

For many years, I have held the view that whilst personal success and goal achievement is important, good health is the real wealth in life. Without good physical and mental health, significant material wealth is pretty meaningless.

My dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was 52 and has suffered from the illness for over thirty-six years. Unfortunately, he has been incapacitated for a few years now. It’s been sad to witness the deterioration of a happy, healthy man. However, this personal connection has helped me to understand the value of good health.

Whilst the situation has made me sad over the years, it has taught me valuable lessons and given me a gift. The biggest lesson that I have taken from my father’s illness is that I should never take the gift of a healthy mind and body for granted. It’s also taught me to be grateful for life’s blessings, enjoy what life has to offer and to seize opportunities.

My thoughts about good health being the real wealth were also reinforced when a friend had to have an operation. This left them without the use of one of their arms for a few months. This prevented them from being able to do simple tasks, drive their car, leave the house etc. It meant they suffered lots of pain and had very disturbed sleep. Their situation led to them feeling quite low.

My father’s situation has motivated me to follow some daily disciplines and routines that help promote and make the most of a healthy body and mind. I know that some health conditions, like multiple sclerosis are outside our control. However, I believe this doesn’t have to prevent us from following some healthy disciplines for the things that are within our control.

Research suggests that 90% of what we do each day is habit. Given this statistic it’s vital that we adopt habits that keep us physically and mentally healthy. It’s worth bearing in mind, if you decide to start a few new approaches and routines, that it takes us 21 days to break a habit and between 25 and 28 days to establish a new one.

I have listed a suggestion of 10 healthy habits to follow to help sustain a healthy body and mind:

  1. Think positively and spend a few minutes daily writing 3 things to be grateful for
  2. Confront your fears and don’t be afraid of failure (or success)
  3. Meditate/sit in silence for 10 minutes each day
  4. Set short and long term goals
  5. Be comfortable saying no when you need to
  6. Have a healthy diet, eat less sugar and drink daily recommended levels of water (2 litres)
  7. Get sufficient sleep
  8. Quit comparing yourself to others
  9. Get outdoors, enjoy nature and exercise regularly (buy a step counter and aim to walk 10,000 steps a day)
  10. Accept things as they are rather than wishing they were different

This week, why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider what healthy habits you follow or would like to start. What would be on your top 10 healthy habits list?

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