It Ain't Easy

For those of you that are auditory learners, the article “Get Healthier Through Listening” found in the New York Times dated February 2, 2020 might be a good fit. The article lists seven interesting podcasts regarding health. This essay pertains to both physical and emotional health.

The following are the 7 podcasts:

1.     Hurdle- pertains to stories from numerous experts and their useful tools in the fitness world of health. The starter episode is titled “How to Start [and Stay] Running.

2.     Mental illness Happy Hour-pertains to intimate and private conversations with guests about their humorous and traumatic psychological issues. The starter episode is titled “Best of: Rob Delaney [2011].”

3.     The Nutrition Divas Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling Fabulous- pertains to variety of topics, dietary advice and simple lessons by being better informed. The starter episode is titled “10 Nutrition Worries You Can Stop Stressing About.”

4.     An Arm and a Leg-pertains to dealing with the cost of healthcare and wellness and how to navigate the pitfalls. The starter episode is titled “Can They Freaking Do That?!”

5.     Food Psych-pertains to stories about how individuals unlearn years of restrictive unhealthy behaviors by listening to various body cues. The starter episode is titled “Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size FAQs.”

6.     Outside Podcast- pertains to stories set in the great outdoors where well-being is placed at the intersection of physical endurance and psychological upheaval while looking at the amazing ability of the body in overcoming many stresses. The starter episode is titled “Struck by Lightning.”

7.     The Model Health Show-pertains to overall health by overhauling lifestyle, accelerating fat loss and building muscle mass. Combatting chronic pain from generative disc disease is one example. The starter episode is titled “T MHS 383: How Your Thoughts Control Your Biology and How to Transform Your Thinking.”  

These podcasts fit well within today’s electronic media savvy population and provides much information. Just sit back and listen. However, 200,000 years ago our ancestors were hunters and gatherers. This suggests that they just didn’t sit around and learn by listening. For information gathering, they used other senses for survival too. Then, about 10 to 12,000 years ago agriculture was introduced and with its many labor saving devices that diminished physical activity. So presently, one suggestion, if you’re going to listen to a podcast, begin by standing. Sitting in chairs, sofas etc. are unhealthy.

 Consider, taking a look at what might be holding you back from engaging in and in making better decisions regarding physical and mental health. Obviously we are talking about lifestyle and the numerous behavioral reinforcements or lack of reinforcements made over time. Another factor to consider but related is that likely the problem is not about lack of information but about doing or simply put, motivation to do.

As for motivation goes, it’s important to have a significant, important and meaningful measurable goal. It takes more than saying to yourself I want to get in better physical and emotional shape. There has to be an important reason; a priority; enough time and energy; realistic markers that show growth and improvement; and ability to navigate and work through the barriers or obstacles. Saying I want to get in better physical and emotional shape does not work because the goal has to be measured or evaluated effectively. For example, I’ll list 6 of my goals: 1. Consuming a minimum of 7 servings of fruit and vegetables a day 2. Writing at least one essay per week 3. Running – walking at least 45 to 55 miles per week 4.Competing in at least three   10 mile trail running events per year 5. Taking I scoop 100% Whey Protein, 1000mg Omega3, 100mg B1  ,and  100mg  B2  daily 6.Performing  at least 300 crunches per day

If you are auditory learner, the seven podcasts might be helpful as a starting point. Physical and mental health take a lot of work and as I said in an earlier post “It Ain’t Easy.”