What Healthy People Don’t Do
Posted on 22 November 2008
Its no secret that healthy people generally live a better lifestyle than unhealthy people. They seem happier and more energetic whilst achieving more in life. I came across an article in the NYT the other day entitled “What Happy People Don’t Do” its short and sweet but made a very powerful impact and made me realize there are a host of things that healthy people don’t do which in essence keeps them fit, strong and healthy, ready to tackle what life throws their way!
Healthy People Don’t Eat Junk
Healthy people understand the importance of eating real whole-food. They have no qualms about saying no to fast food and try to eat fresh when possible. They save junk or desserts for treats and special occasions; in the past things like cake where always saved for special occasions its only been recently that they have become foods that have been eaten everyday and now with the huge range of confectionary available they are making the world fatter and sicker than ever.
So remember skip the junk or save it for special occasions….
This post on Diet from Dr. Scott is superb and gives an example of what I mean by healthy eating and gives a powerful example of what we have evolved to eat. Healthy eating does not have to be strict or deprive you. Its important to distinguish a few base rules and stick to them. Laird Hamilton is a great example of a healthy person who knows a thing or two about nutrition!
Healthy People Don’t Stay Up Too Late
To feel at my best its important that I am in bed before midnight most nights and clock in 7-9 hours of good quality sleep.
For every hour you are asleep before midnight also counts double as such!
Most the healthy people I know and those who are good shape, take their sleep as a very important part of their lifestyle and enjoy winding down and getting to bed around 11PM and getting up early the next morning. This is the optimum way to live in terms of productivity as the morning is a peaceful and relaxing time, making it great to get errands done or do some exercise. Or even just to meditate and practice your breathing getting you setup for the day.
Healthy People Don’t Try and Control Things They Can’t
Worrying about ANYTHING we cannot control is useless and does nothing but harm releasing damaging stress hormones throughout your body triggering a fight and fly response…… It only handicaps and diminishes the quality of our lives. Most people in good stable mental health realize that worrying about anything out of our control is a bad way to live.
Try to remember that the things you worry about today won’t matter in 20 years time let alone tomorrow….
For the natural born worriers out there a useful tip to stop worrying is to create a “worry sheet” this is a method of postponing your fears for another time this tricks the brain into thinking things have been dealt with allowing you to move on with life. Next time your worried about a few things grab a pen and paper write down all the things bothering you and forget about them telling yourself that you plan to worry about them later. This re-conditions your mind not to worry about things in the present, its shockingly effective!
Those are 3 core things I have found most healthy people have in common, any others you care share please feel free to comment below I would love to get some collective wisdom!
Also Check out this post called Weird Things Humans Do great stuff Again from Dr. Scott Olson
Comment by Keith Norris
22 November 2008
Sleep is the one area in my life that I can’t seem to get a handle on. I need, I think, a 25-hour day! During the work week, I’m only able to average an insufficient 5&1/2 to 6 hours a night, then I’ll “hibernate” for 10+ per night on my days off. Such are the demands of a modern life.
Comment by Cindy
22 November 2008
This blog came to me at exactly the right time. I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to lose weight, but have been focusing on exercise and not on what I was eating or how I have been taking care of myself. This was perfect to redirect myself.
Comment by Coed Fitness Tips
22 November 2008
This is kind of simple but. Healthy people don’t make excuses.
Comment by Andrew R
22 November 2008
Healthy people take cues from other healthy people…. thanks for the post!!
All the Best,
Andrew R
Comment by DR
23 November 2008
Nice one.
“Stressing Out” has been my big problem. Practicing meditation is finally showing some results.
Comment by Dan
24 November 2008
Very true.
When your fit and healthy it’s so much easier to do the right things to look after yourself.
Comment by Chris
24 November 2008
@ Keith: At least your managing a few 10 hour nights I am sure they make up fr the rest of the 6hr nights….. Hibernating is definitely the word for it but I bet you feel dang good after clocking 10hrs!!
@ DR: for stressing out I have found meditating really useful as is learning to breath deeply into your stomach, it does wonders for calming!
@ Cindy: Glad you read it in time. No amount of exercise will make up for a bad diet, processed junk foods can throw even the most well crafted fitness plans into disarray!
Comment by Tom Parker - Free Fitness Tips
24 November 2008
Nice post Chris. Diet is so important. Exercise is a good complement to a healthy diet but without good food as a base your fitness plans can fall apart. I agree with Keith on the sleep thing. It’s so hard to get more than 6 hours on work nights. Just too much other stuff to do.
Comment by Sam Page
30 November 2008
@Keith: here are some ideas that may help you get a better night’s sleep. I’ve implemented them all and they’ve really transformed the way I, a personal trainer who gets up at the crack ‘o dawn, sleep: http://snurl.com/6y8a9
Comment by Rambodoc
6 December 2008
I am happy with this post. I can add one more thing:
Healthy, fit people always want to learn more about health and fitness. Doesn’t sound catchy, true, but the more I read from people like you, the more easily I am consistent and motivated. It is rather easy to lose your way!
Comment by Chris
6 December 2008
@ Rambodoc: Thanks very much for the kind words. Its great to read up on stuff on the net it really helps keep motivated and excited about living a healthy lifestyle….. Just make sure not to read too much, it can get confusing when really staying fit and healthy is simple if you know what your doing! Great blog BTW.
Comment by Grok
21 November 2009
Damn, this was a great post. Thanks for revisiting!
I’ve got two out of three. I do get good sleep (if undisturbed) but I get to bed very late usually… 3-5am. (It’s 2am right now)
Paul Chek is a huge advocate for a 10pm bedtime. I kept a 10:30-ish bedtime for a while, but always end up drifting back to being a night-owl. It’s just so peaceful at night and much easier for me to get work done.