In your journey towards a healthier you, it’s easy to get swept up in the allure of complex strategies and nuanced techniques promising quick fixes and dramatic results. Sometimes these strategies and techniques seem fun, enticing, and so promising! From fad diets to “cutting-edge” supplements, the health and wellness industry is saturated with constant new trends made to catch our attention. As tempting as it may be, it’s crucial not to lose sight of the fundamentals – the basic building blocks of health that form the foundation upon which all else is built.
As coaches, we consistently see clients enticed and wondering if they should take the newest weight loss supplement, weight loss medication, or muscle building vitamin. But, when we dive into their routine we find that the basics are not being fully accounted for. There’s wisdom in the saying, “Don’t drop boulders to pick up pebbles.” This reminds us of the foolishness of neglecting what’s essential in pursuit of what’s flashy or trendy. In the context of health, it serves as a reminder to prioritize the basics (the boulders) – nutrition, sleep, stress management, exercise, and mindfulness – before delving into more specialized or nuanced techniques (the pebbles).
If our basics are not being accounted for, we are immensely halting our progress!
If you have been tempted to purchase the latest diet protocol from your favorite influencer or that greens supplement, we want to challenge you to review your basics to make sure those are fully accounted for:
- Nutrition is a critical part of our health. Our bodies require a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients to function optimally! Yet, with the rapid increase of restrictive diets and miracle supplements, it’s easy to lose sight of the simple yet profound impact of wholesome, nourishing foods. By prioritizing whole foods, vegetables, fruits, proteins, a variety of carbs and nutritious fats, we create a solid foundation for our overall well-being. Try making sure you see colors at each meal, a mix of macronutrients at each meal, adequate water throughout your day, and create a plan to ensure you have enough food prepared and on hand throughout your week.
- Adequate sleep is essential for health. Sleep influences everything from cognitive function to immune health. Yet, in today’s hyper-connected world, sleep is often sacrificed in favor of productivity or entertainment. Prioritizing adequate sleep hygiene – establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques – is essential for replenishing our bodies and minds. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Stress management is another fundamental aspect of health that warrants attention. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on our physical and mental well-being, contributing to a wide array of health issues ranging from cardiovascular disease to anxiety disorders. Yet, rather than addressing the root causes of stress, many turn to quick fixes or coping mechanisms that offer temporary relief at best. By cultivating resilience through practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and time management, we can better navigate life’s inevitable stressors.
- Movement is a basic yet powerful tool for promoting health and wellness. Regular physical activity not only strengthens our muscles and cardiovascular system but also boosts mood, enhances cognitive function, and reduces the risk of chronic disease. Yet, amidst the allure of high-intensity workouts and trendy fitness regimes, the importance of consistent, moderate exercise can be overlooked. Try finding movement you enjoy and aim to move daily! It can be a walk, yoga, or strength training.
- Mindfulness, encompassing practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and self-reflection, rounds out the basics of health and wellness. Cultivating mindfulness allows us to develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and emotional balance in the face of life’s challenges.
At the end of the day, prioritizing the basics of health is key to building a sturdy foundation upon which we can build our wellness journey. Just as a house built on a shaky foundation is prone to collapse, neglecting fundamental aspects of health can undermine our efforts to achieve optimal well-being. By nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods, prioritizing good quality sleep, managing stress effectively, staying active, and cultivating mindfulness, we lay the groundwork for a vibrant and fulfilling life. For example: if you aren’t prioritizing your sleep, but putting all of your effort into movement – you’re going to be running your tires in mud.
While it’s tempting to gravitate towards complex and nuanced techniques in pursuit of health and wellness, it is essential not to overlook the basics. By honoring the saying “Don’t drop boulders to pick up pebbles,” we can prioritize nutrition, sleep, stress management, exercise, and mindfulness – the foundational pillars of health – and set ourselves on a path to lasting well-being. After all, true health is not found in fleeting trends or quick fixes but in the consistent nourishment and care of our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Never overlook or underestimate the power of the basics!
