PRIORITIZING WELLNESS: PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
As a business owner or an employee, prioritizing wellness is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. However, achieving true wellness requires a holistic approach that integrates physical, mental and emotional health. In this post we’ll look at the ways to maximize physical well-being.
Summer Plays a Role in Physical Health
The beginning of summer presents an opportune moment to reassess for several reasons:
- Warmer weather and longer daylight hours encourage outdoor activities and healthier habits
- An abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables supplies essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support overall health
- Longer days offer opportunities for adequate rest and relaxation to help the body repair and rejuvenate itself
- Remember to prioritize sun protection and hydration
Physical Well-Being
Begin the road to physical well-being by understanding your physical opportunities and limitations. Assess your strengths and weaknesses honestly without bias or wishful thinking and recognize your potential for improvement and growth in your strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility. Know your limitations from factors such as age, genetics, medical conditions, injuries, or disabilities and respect those limitations. Set realistic goals based on your current abilities.
Consider seeking professional guidance from healthcare professionals such as physicians, physical therapists, or personal trainers. And listen to your body. Pay attention to signals such as pain, fatigue, and discomfort that can indicate that certain activities are either beneficial or too strenuous. In addition, notice pattern changes in how your body reacts to exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress, or other factors.
Close the Gap
Closing the gap between your current physical level and your goal requires a systematic and disciplined approach, with consistent effort and incremental progress. To achieve this, set specific, measurable, and realistic goals as a roadmap for progress.
Choose Activities You Enjoy
Achieving your physical goals doesn’t have to be a chore when you choose activities you enjoy. They can include:
- Going to the gym
- Walking the dog
- Dancing
- Joining a walking partner
Incorporate Accountability
Incorporating accountability can significantly enhance your commitment and consistency, leading to better results.
- Establish clear, measurable goals
- Set specific targets
- Enlist the support of a workout partner or exercise buddy
- Join a fitness community or group, whether online or in person
- Track your progress in a fitness journal or app
- Incorporate rewards and consequences
- Be honest and realistic
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and nutrition help support and maintain physical well-being through a balanced and nutritious diet that supplies the energy, vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients necessary for growth, repair, and overall health. Additionally, diet and nutrition play a significant role in weight management and body composition. Limiting processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive amounts of added sugars and unhealthy fats can support a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Macronutrients
Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all food groups to support sustained energy
levels, muscle development, and overall metabolic function. Eat a balance of:
- Carbohydrates: the body’s preferred fuel source to provide energy for physical activity and essential body functions
- Protein: essential for muscle repair and growth, immune function, and hormone production
- Fats: for brain health, hormone regulation, and nutrient absorption
Micronutrients
Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are essential for your various biochemical processes. They play key roles in immune function, bone health, blood clotting, and countless other physiological functions. To support overall health and well-being, consume a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Proper Hydration
Water is essential for regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and removing waste products from the body. Staying adequately hydrated helps maintain optimal bodily functions, supports cognitive function, and enhances athletic performance. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider hydrating with electrolyte-rich beveragesduring periods of increased physical activity or heat exposure.
Get a Medical Evaluation Before Beginning a New Exercise Routine
Checking in with your physician before starting a new exercise routine is a proactive approach to your health and well-being. It allows you to establish a baseline for monitoring progress.
A medical evaluation can help identify any underlying health conditions or risk factors that may impact your ability to safely engage in physical activity. Certain medical conditions may require special considerations or modifications to your exercise program to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Your physicians can also provide personalized recommendations based on your individual medical history, fitness level, and health goals, and guidance on the types of exercise and activities that can benefit you the most, along with precautions or limitations.
In addition, they can provide guidance on how to gradually increase and adjust your exercise routine over time to prevent injury and promote long-term success, as well as strategies for managing exercise-related soreness, fatigue, and recovery.
The Association for Enterprise Growth’s Support for Well-Being
The Association for Enterprise Growth (AEG) supports its members and business owners in optimizing their health and wellness. Healthy businesses depend on healthy owners and employees.
For more information about the Association for Enterprise Growth, or to join, contact us.