Olivia Newton-John died yesterday. The retrospective of her life blew me away. It was not the fame and fortune, but her generosity, her grace, her spirit, and her resilience that moved me. She embodied resilience in all ways, body, mind, and spirit. She battled cancer 3 times and still, she treated her body with respect and love. Furthermore, she kept her mind engaged with big projects, including building a state-of-the-art cancer hospital and research facility in Australia.
Most impressive, however, was her spirit. She truly lived from her heart and enjoyed every moment. She had plenty to complain about, but by every account never did. Instead, she found joy in the small things, was present in each moment and gave her full attention to anyone who was with her. WOW. This is the way to live a life; grateful for each moment, knowing that each second is a precious gift not to be wasted.
With all of that, it is her sexy and whimsical “hit of the 80s”, “Let’s Get Physical” that so many of us associate with the star. At the time, even though the music video was considered risqué, it showed us that taking care of our bodies was both sexy and powerful.
Physical Health is Foundational
Your physical health is the foundation for your overall well-being. Whether you want to find balance, develop greater self-confidence, or feel more empowered, so much rests on the way you decide to take care of your body. I help my clients create holistic well-being, body, mind, and spirit. I believe that it doesn’t matter where you begin to make changes, but eventually, all three aspects must be addressed to be healthy and resilient. (Read more about holistic wellness here.)
What I also believe, however, is that having a healthy body can help you develop your mental and spiritual wellness. It feels wonderful to be fit and strong. You feel sexier and more powerful. You have the strength to get through your days with energy and are less likely to feel cranky or rundown. This allows you to engage in more creative and spiritual activities.
When you are healthy you are less like to become sick, and if you do get sick you recover more quickly. When you feel good in your skin, are well rested, and are taking care of yourself, you are more likely to confidently connect with others and bring more to your work. Every aspect of well-being is important, but taking care of your physical health truly is the foundation.
Let’s Get Physical
There are innumerable ways to become and stay physically healthy. What you want to focus on is how you will a) move your body, b) nourish and hydrate your body, and c) rest your body. Consider these 3 things to help you create change that lasts:
1) Decide what truly motivates you:
We’ve all experienced wanting to lose a few pounds before a wedding or reunion. That can really motivate you, but what happens after the event? In order to find sustainable motivation, list all the reasons you want to be healthier.
Do you want to feel strong, sexy, confident, powerful, capable, or resilient? Is eating sustainably grown food important to you? Able to get on the floor and play with your grandchildren when the time comes? Do you want to glow with health? Fit into your clothes comfortably? Do you want to look your best? It’s all valid, but don’t pretend. Get real about your motivation. Make a list and remind yourself what is truly important to you.
2) Find what you LOVE to do or eat:
When it comes to moving your body, anything goes. You can dance in your kitchen, move furniture, lift weights, and play ball. Get creative. Try a bunch of different things until you find something you love. What did you love to do as a child? Is that something you can try?
The same is true for healthy eating. Take some healthy cooking classes, get some books, and look online for recipes. Learn about your choices and then make the healthy foods you love to eat. Don’t only eat salad if you hate salad. That’s a recipe for giving up! Love your movement and your food, you are more likely to stick with it.
3) Do what fits into your schedule and lifestyle. It must be customized to you!
If you are changing your lifestyle, set small, attainable goals and celebrate your wins. We all like to think of ourselves as being able to conquer a mountain, and we are (!) just not all at once. Take steps one by one, and you will eventually “conquer that mountain” and form new habits. Make choices that feel easy to adapt to your life, and you will stick with them.
Let’s Get Physical in Your Life
Remember that to make things different, you have to do different things. Some of you will read this article and dismiss making your health a priority out of hand. Some of you will read this, follow the tips, and make significant changes. Others, however, really want to make your physical health a priority, but need someone else as a sounding board, brainstorming partner, and accountability coach. Find a friend, take someone on the journey with you, or perhaps hire a coach. You are worth the investment of time, energy, and even money! You deserve to feel wonderful, strong, and happy. If that’s what you want, it’s time to be honest, take the necessary steps , and Let’s Get Physical!
Lauren Yellin Weinberg, MS, NBC-HWC
As The Becoming Coach, Lauren empowers her clients to become more confident, calm, and connected and to architect the wildly wonderful life they have always imagined. A National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and a Certified Happiness Coach, with a background as a psychologist and family therapist, she is committed to a whole-person, empirically-based process that creates lasting mindset and wellbeing changes. Her transformational coaching is designed to accelerate and support personal and professional success while inspiring her clients to fall in love with who they are becoming.
Lauren is also a thought partner for solopreneurs and she is an expert for Living Healthy List.
Find out more at lastingchangewellness.com or email directly at lastingchangecoach@gmail.com Follow on FB @lastingchangewellness; on IG @lastingchangecoach and on LinkedIn @LaurenYellinWeinberg