HEALTH.
- whatshesaid2020
- Jan 7, 2022
- 2 min read
HEALTH. Let's talk about it for a moment. It's something we probably think of most when declaring our New Year's resolutions. To eat healthier. Get more sleep. Drink more water. Exercise diligently.
Some of us are disciplined enough to do this year-round and not just in January. Others of us are lackadaisical about our health for various reasons. For me, it's still thinking I am young enough to eat what I want without any changes to my 60+ year old body. I've convinced myself that my metabolism is still what it was in my 20s. I've tricked or fooled myself into thinking that my health will take care of itself.
While I use education and work to exercise my mind, I have neglected my body. More importantly, my health. Phew...there it is...my confession.
My awakening came this year through several tests that were put off during the pandemic. Two years of waiting brought many trips to the doctor's office, hospital procedures, and two surgeries these past six months. It has brought a sense of fear and anxiety, but also a lot of prayer and benign results.
In 2021's parting shot, I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. I'm now learning about One-Touch daily blood draws and meeting with a diabetic educator. I am studying about diets and reading labels. The importance of daily exercising. I am accepting my hereditary diagnosis and working to eradicate it.
The Center for Creative Leadership states, "While good health may or may not make (or break) a good leader, it does contribute to good brain function, sustained energy output, and being physically resilient. These are important attributes for leaders, but the behaviors that contribute to these qualities are often sorely neglected."
There are 4 pillars of good health:
Eat a nutrient-rich, health-promoting diet. What you eat fuels your brain.
Get adequate, quality sleep. Being tired at work compromises your decision-making.
Engage in regular physical activity. Understand the connection between exercise and leadership.
Avoid turning pressure into stress. Avoid rumination, the #1 reason you are stressed.
So as you set your New Year's resolutions, make your health your #1 priority. Get your colonoscopy, mammogram, x-ray, MRI, blood work or anything else you have been putting off. Find a trusted physician that listens to you and someone you can build a long-term relationship with. We have been fortunate to find such a person in Dr. Brian Hettrick as our family doctor for almost 17 years now.
This week's leadership development is internal. Make it the best 2022 you can by starting with you.
What She Said ~ Beverly
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