Here’s a simple question: Is it hard or easy to stay well ?
Staying well is two things: avoiding disease and optimizing health. I’ll be the first to tell you that there are some diseases you simply can’t avoid. I’ll also be the first to tell you that most diseases are a preventable.
What is prevention ? Is prevention hard or easy ? Prevention is not one thing. It is collection of different actions. Most importantly, these are done over time, on a meaningful schedule, and so we call them habits. I find that lots of people do certain few healthy things once in a while. Oftentimes these same people wonder why they do not see gains in health or fitness. What they are missing is the element of time. Taking one, two or ten habits and performing them in perpetuity over time is what makes the changes. If I could change just a few ideas in my patient’s minds, this would be one of them.
Prevention requires you to harness the element of time. Time gives your actions power. Most prevention habits are simple easy acts in and of themselves. By themselves they don’t so much. Multiply them by months and they make significant and long lasting changes.
Here are some super simple acts which you can multiply over time.
Mind:
Record three things for which you are grateful before you go to bed.
Read them upon arising.
In a conversation, listen first then respond with “I” statements.
Think and take two full breaths before responding during a conflict.
Meditate for 10 minutes per day.
Have about 6 close friends.
Consider having a partner.
Have a pet of whom you take good care.
Ensure your work is meaningful.
Don’t overspend.
Take your allotted vacations.
Body:
Wash your hands at work and when you get home.
Get your required vaccinations.
Sleep at least 7-8 hours a night.
Wear seat belts.
Use sunscreen.
Eat three meals and three snacks each with protein and produce.
Avoid simple refined carbohydrates.
Use olive oil and green tea.
Ban soda, smokes and drugs.
Limit to one wine or beer per day.
Drink 3 liters water per day.
Brush twice a day, floss and use a peroxide mouthwash before bed.
Exercise for half hour 5-6 times per week combining cardio and light resistance.
Incorporate yoga every week.
Super basic, right ?
Super powerful.
That’s what these habits are when repeated over time.
Prevention doesn’t hurt, it’s not expensive, and you can do it anywhere. It does take a plan to carve out the small slots in the day to do these things, but it really isn’t hard. Just keep the list handy, do the items, and you will wake up in a few months and notice some pleasant changes.