This morning I read this article on the need to do everything right and 100% healthy. I thought a lot about this. The thing is, it’s a struggle. For a lot of us, if we don’t focus on getting it right, setting our goals, and taking action to make those goals happen, they don’t. It’s really not an option for many of us to just blow off 40% because life happens to 60% and then, you’re at 0.
Does that make sense?
Maybe the idea is not to set out with the intention of messing up 40% of the time, but to go easy on ourselves when 60% falls apart without intention.
I go to the pool every day and intend to get a minimum of 3 miles running in. If all the stars align, then I get 5 miles in. Today, everyone wanted to leave early and I left with them, at 2.72 miles. It is still bothering me. It will bother me until I pull my rebounder in and get .28 miles in or more. That’s pretty silly, but some of you know that it can be a slippery slope. Today 2.72 – tomorrow 2.4 and on and on.
Eating well 60% of the time is assuming you are not Celiac, or you don’t have trouble breathing or outrageous gas after eating dairy. We don’t always eat healthy for vanity, we eat healthy to feel good. So, if we want to feel good 60% of the time, that would be fine. I don’t drink wine very often because it can bring on a migraine. I don’t get mad at myself if I decide to have a glass of wine, but I never have more than 5 oz. because I don’t want a migraine. It has nothing to do with percentages.
If you watch television for 20% longer one night, big deal – unless that keeps you from having a good nights sleep or the blue light gives you migraines, or you should be spending the time with your kids.
It’s not always a matter of percentages. Sometimes it has to be all the way. Sometimes not, the key is in discernment.
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Yes, your thoughts make sense and are a very balanced and realistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. It’s important to keep in mind that life is not black and white, and there’s a lot of grey area in between, especially when it comes to maintaining health and wellness.
Firstly, the idea of doing everything 100% right all the time can be stressful and is often unrealistic. Perfectionism can lead to burnout and has been linked to a number of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Life is unpredictable, and we have to allow ourselves some flexibility.
Secondly, you’re absolutely right about the importance of personalizing health goals. Everyone’s body is different, so it’s crucial to listen to your own body and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. For example, if you have Celiac disease or lactose intolerance, your dietary needs will be different from someone without these conditions.
As you’ve mentioned, the main goal is not necessarily to follow some arbitrary percentage, but to maintain a lifestyle that helps you feel good and function at your best.
The “slippery slope” that you mentioned is also a valid concern. Consistency is key to maintaining good habits, but it’s also important not to beat yourself up over minor deviations. Sometimes, unexpected events may prevent you from meeting your daily goal, like running 3 miles. But it doesn’t mean that you’ve failed or that you will keep deviating from your goal in the future.
Finally, you’ve hit the nail on the head with your point about discernment. It’s essential to assess your needs, understand your limits, and make choices that align with your overall health and well-being. It’s not always about strictly adhering to a regimen, but about making wise decisions based on your personal circumstances and needs.
In summary, striving for balance, being flexible, personalizing your approach, and practicing discernment are all key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s about what works best for you, not what works best for everyone else.
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Cathy Sykora
Health Coach/ Interior Designer / Naturopath
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