Go-Getters Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Chapter 5 of “The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide” is about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. What an ironic topic to discuss this time of year as many of us are facing the reality that it’s time to cut back on cookies, and get our butts to the gym.
I’m not going to get into the details of this chapter because we’ve heard it all before: eat more fruits and vegetables, work out consistently, cut back on snacking, do squats while watching TV, blah blah blah.
The truth is, we all know what to do. We probably don’t do it because we don’t know why we should do it.
Well, a healthy lifestyle has major benefits for the mind, body, and wallet. And until you experience it for yourself, you probably won’t get it.
No, I could care less if you (or anyone else) is a size 2. That is NOT the point of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We women often associate how we feel about our bodies with how we feel about our lives.
Pissed that your favorite $200 jeans look painted on today? My guess is you are going to have a day full of irritation, mood swings and lower self-esteem.
Author Debra Shigley points out that:
Working out makes us gain physical strength. Feeling like we have strength makes us feel powerful.
Working out breeds confidence which is gained from setting a goal and achieving it.
And in my opinion, the BIGGEST benefit of working out? Exercise helps fight depression.
I don’t know about you, but almost every woman in her twenties that I know is on some type of anti-depressant or anti-anxiety med. These are issues that are extremely common in our age group so let’s stop denying it. We have a lot of pressures, bills, choices, uncertainty, things to learn, and people to meet. Why not reduce depression if you have the option?
Make the time to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lots of other Go-Getters are doing it. Chapter 5 highlights how some of our favorite Go-Getters feel about making a healthy lifestyle a part of their insanely busy lives. These ladies include: Tory Burch, Lisa Ling, Niki Taylor and Kelli O’Hara.
I can’t leave this post without mentioning one of my favorite authors, Steven Covey. In his insanely fabulous book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” habit #7 is “Sharpen the Saw.” Steven says, “Sharpening the Saw means having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual…Feeling good doesn’t just happen.”
Huh, interesting. Ever look at those happy, energetic and glowing Go-Getter girls in your life and just assume they were born with the “it-factor”? I highly doubt that. They got the goods by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Working out and eating right isn’t about being a size 2. It’s about having a sharp mind that is ready to take on all the challenges that life as a twentysomething entails. Make a healthy lifestyle part of your routine and a priority in your life. The small investment in time that it requires will provide benefits fivefold.
How has working out and eating right helped you in your own life?
Do you find that it boosts your mood and makes you more productive?
Have you seen your relationships improve as a result of maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
