Embracing Wellness: Treating your Body Like the Home it Is

This idea came to me from Sahil Bloom’s Curiosity Chronicle…if you don’t subscribe to it, you need to. 

One of his latest chronicles was centered around a journal prompt: Your entire life will change the moment you…

He gave several examples of what could be inserted after the dots. All were great. But the most impactful, to me was:

“Stop treating your body like shit and start treating it like a house you have to live in for the next 50 years.”

That’s powerful. Why? Because in my profession, I constantly hear people complain of being tired, achy, bloated, anxious/stressed, overweight, not getting enough sleep, suffering from autoimmune disease, having high blood pressure or cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, etc, etc. 

These people also say they don’t have time to exercise, eat processed, fried, and sugary foods on a regular basis, and fail to prioritize any form of stress management or self-care. 

But most of them, if they own a home, will take care of that home to their utmost ability so it stays strong, sturdy, and fully functioning as long as possible. They maintain it, they take precautions to prevent issues, and they fix issues that do occur at the source. Why not do the same for the body? 

Our bodies are not disposable commodities; they are the vessels through which we experience life, navigate challenges, and savor moments of joy. Just as we invest time and effort into maintaining our homes, we must adopt a similar mindset when it comes to caring for our physical and mental health.

Too often, we fall into the trap of mistreating our bodies, subjecting them to unhealthy habits, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and chronic stress. We push ourselves to the brink, ignoring warning signs and dismissing the importance of self-care. But just as a neglected house deteriorates over time, our bodies suffer the consequences of neglect, manifesting in fatigue, illness, and diminished quality of life.

It's time to shift, to Reframe, our perspective and recognize the inherent value of our bodies. Rather than viewing them as mere vehicles for productivity or pleasure, we need to reframe our relationship with them as a partnership - a mutual exchange of care and respect. How do we begin?

1. Cultivate awareness and mindfulness. Pay attention to the signals your body sends, whether it's hunger, fatigue, or discomfort. Listen to these cues and respond with kindness and compassion.

2. Nourish your body with wholesome, nutritious foods that fuel your energy and support your well-being. Just as you wouldn't fill your house with junk and then expect to live in it comfortably, avoid filling your body with empty calories and processed foods that offer little sustenance.

3. Prioritize movement and exercise, not as a punishment for indulgence, but as a celebration of what your body is capable of achieving. Find activities that bring you joy and make physical activity an integral part of your daily routine.

4. Invest in rest and relaxation, recognizing that downtime is not a luxury but a necessity for rejuvenation. Prioritize sleep and relaxation to support your body's natural healing processes.

5. Most importantly, cultivate self-love and acceptance. Embrace your body as it is, recognizing its resilience, beauty, and inherent worth. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer to a cherished friend or family member.

By shifting the way we think about and treat our bodies, we can enhance our own well-being and foster a deeper sense of gratitude and respect towards all that our bodies do to keep us functioning optimally.

So let us heed the wisdom of the quote and start treating our bodies like the precious dwellings they are - homes we have the privilege to inhabit for a lifetime of health, vitality, and joy.

Need help getting started?

I specialize in helping people optimize their health and longevity, find the source of their symptoms, and create lasting lifestyle modifications so they feel their best.

Ultimately, my goal is to help them nuture their "home" so that will last, enjoyably, for next 50 years and beyond.

To schedule a free consultation, click here.