By Ashley Wilhoite, BSN, RN, Wellness Director
Being a mom has allowed me to reflect on a lot of my life experiences. I find myself often reverting to my childhood memories and applying them to present situations with my own kiddos’ lives. For example, I can remember always comparing myself to other girls in school. I would think things like, ‘Why is my stomach not as flat as hers…Why doesn’t my hair look that good when I fix it…Why does she weigh so much less than I do?’
Now that I’m an adult, I know who I am. I also know that I’m a continuous work in progress. I explained to my children that it’s best to focus on themselves and what they’re good at instead of comparing themselves to others.
I am a tall woman, so the number on the scale will always be a bit higher of me than my petite friends. However, I stopped relying on the number on the scale to indicate my progress towards my health and wellness goals. Instead, I have shifted my focus to other variables of health and wellness. You will more than likely find that other healthy habits will continue to improve by doing this simple shift and will align you with the results you deserve.
Here are six goals to help you shift your focus away from just your weight and more towards better health.
1: Focus on your water intake. – We should be drinking half of our body weight in ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 180 lbs, you should drink 90 ounces of water each day. If you’re not used to drinking that much water, start with a smaller goal and slowly work your way up. If you consistently replenish with water, your body will signal you when it’s time to rehydrate. Water is essential in health and wellness and gives your body the hydration it needs to be successful in achieving your wellness goals.
2: Schedule your exercise. – Saying that you don’t have time to exercise is an excuse. If you don’t have time, then it’s simply not a priority. If you want to become a healthier version of yourself, you will find the time to get your workouts in. We live in a society where we constantly schedule play dates for our kids, time out with friends, hair appointments, etc., so why not make it a priority to schedule and complete consistent workouts?
3: Make more time for yourself. – Another common phrase we often hear is, “I feel bad for taking the time for myself because it takes away from my kids.” Well, does it? Shift your focus! Do you want more energy to play with your children? Do you want to promote a healthier lifestyle to become a positive role model for them? Do you want to promote a healthier lifestyle that will contribute to more time on this earth to be with your family? Self-care is essential in promoting both mental and physical wellness. Self-care includes setting boundaries, whether it be addressing unhealthy relationships, practicing more mindfulness, gratitude, prayer, exercise, spending time with the people who share your vision, participating in activities you enjoy…the list goes on and on. Self-care helps to shift your focus back onto yourself. You can’t give to others if you don’t have anything left to give.
4: Eliminate alcohol or at least keep intake to a minimum. – Ok, I know. This is easier said than done for a lot of people. But it’s very possible if you really want to be healthier. Alcohol is full of sugar. Consuming large amounts of alcohol or consistently drinking it contributes to weight gain and several other physical and mental health issues. Overall, the elimination of sugar in your diet will work wonders and promote a much healthier you.
5: Eat more vegetables. – The average female should consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day, and the average male should eat around 38 grams per day. Fiber promotes bowel regularity and has numerous benefits for our bodies.
6: Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods. – Did you know that your gut is considered your second brain? In fact, 95% of serotonin is made in the stomach. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for activating the cells related to mood, sexual desire/function, appetite, sleep, memory/learning, temperature regulation, and social behavior. Shift your focus to what you need to fuel your body to perform at its best.
You’ll be surprised to see what can happen in your life when you switch your focus using these helpful tips. I started to shift my focus at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. It was then that I began working out five days per week, became mindful of the food I was putting in my body, stopped my consistent alcohol intake, started drinking more water, and decreased the amount of stress that I allowed to affect my life. My focus was not on weight per se. For me, it was about becoming a healthier version of myself. And it just so happens that I have lost 30 lbs so far during this process!
And as always, our wellness team is standing by if ever you need any help on your journey. Feel free to reach out to us at (502) 618-0995 to find out all the ways we can help.
