Health – there’s no dismissing its importance and yet so many people overlook it. We tend to focus on money, our family, our friends, our house, taxes, promotions and the list goes on and on.
But for some reason, health tends to get swept under the rug.
We avoid getting checkups, we cancel dental appointments, we skip the run around the block and find whatever excuses we can to avoid dealing with the issue of a healthier lifestyle.
I know I fall into this group. I used to rock climb, I used to be in better shape and somehow I let it slide.
I made finances and family a priority.
But maybe that’s an excuse – because if I really care about those things I must face the fact that without my health, I can’t do either.
The other day I listened to Earl Nightingale talk about a study done by Dr. Lester Breslow. He found that 7 habits help us live healthier, longer lives and I thought they were worth sharing with you.
- Eat 3 meals a day at regular times each day instead of snacking
- Eat breakfast every day
- Get moderate exercise
- Sleep 7 or 8 hours a night
- Do not smoke
- Maintain moderate weight
- Do not consume alcohol excessively
The study found that a 45-year old man who practiced 3 or less of these habits may expect to live to the age of 67; with 6 or 7 of these habits he can expect to live until the age of 81.
I’m sure the list doesn’t come as a shock to you because, like most of the success principles I talk about here, they’re pretty much common knowledge.
But just because they’re common knowledge doesn’t mean they’re common practice.
Doing what we know is often the key to success in health, relationships, leadership, and finances.
But the temptation to just ease up a little, to take it easy is just too tempting for most of us.
We tell ourselves things like, “It won’t matter just this once” or “I’ll do that tomorrow.”
But we don’t do it just once, and we don’t get to it tomorrow.
I wish I could say I can avoid temptation but I’m human. I stray from the path every now (I ate two bags of potato chips yesterday – yikes!!) but I keep my goals in sight because they always bring me back to where I need to be.
Living a healthy life is easier than you think – all it takes is a little discipline.
Anyone can, but not everyone will. Will you?
Adrian Shepherd