The day I realized Big Mistake and learnt the importance of health

In 2012, I worked myself into a major burnout! 

I was suffering from a High Blood Pressure at 90/148 at 27 years of age. I used to sweat,pant, and had accumulated fat. On the lifestyle side, I used to work till post midnight, have late dinners, had fast food, gulped cokes. 

My doctor examined me and predicted major heart issues in the next 2-3 years if I did not change my lifestyle. I worked for a Public Sector Company and was proud of the impact I was making. However, like a wise counsellor, during a routine test, my doctor shifted my perspective. He let me imagine the impact I would make if I live longer. 

I tried changing my lifestyle for about 6 months. Quit burgers, cheese, tried taking more rest without knowing that the origin of this stress was more in the mind.

Finally, I decided to apply that year for an MBA and get the required change. To my surprise, within a month into the MBA, my BP dropped to normal. This confirmed my suspicion. This was indeed my mind playing with me. 

I had learnt the importance of health. And created systems over the years that helped me be in good health in a busy schedule.

I have picked up harder jobs post that. 

And the BP never came back. Fingers crossed !! 

Does this situation sound similar to you ? 

What a big gift good health is

Keeping in best physical and mental health has a lot of benefits. 

Taking proper care of your body can help reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to achieve and maintain physical health.

When I reduced my weight from 87 kgs to 67 kgs, I started walking better, my breathing pattern improved, focus increased amongst many other factors. 

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is of utmost importance to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to keep our mental health in check. 

Mental health can be affected by stress, depression, and other psychological issues. 

FYI, this was exactly what was happening to me when I got BP. 

Taking the time to care for your mental health can lead to an incredibly better quality of life. You get clearer in your vision, your energy levels increase, you work more effectively, and in general keep happy. 

This can have disproportionate advantages in professional and personal life in comparison to others who do not focus on health. 

Why should you improve your health

Three major reasons to improve your health are. 

A. Improved Quality of Life

Taking the time to improve your health can lead to an improved quality of life. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of diseases and can help improve physical and mental health.

B. Reduced Risk of Disease

Improving health can help to reduce the risk of diseases. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly can help to reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. 

This will not only increase your productivity, but will also allow you to spend more quality time with your family, thus, adding to your happiness.

C. Increased Energy Levels

Improving health can also result in increased energy levels. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly can help to boost energy levels and can help to reduce fatigue.

Top leadership is all about manager energies of the team. This is why most top CEOs focus a lot on their well being and health. 

How to improve health – Factors that affect health 

A. Diet and Nutrition

Your diet plays a major role in your overall health. Eating healthy foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, and sugar can help reduce the risk of diseases and can help improve overall health. 

Eating good food in a measured way is a system that one should adopt as as a lifestyle. ‘Reducing Weight’ as a goal can probably benefit you for a short time, while ‘Eating Healthy’ as a system that yields exponentially.  

Drink a lot of water to ensure that your body is hydrated at all times. 

B. Exercise

Exercise is important for physical health. Regular workouts help to reduce the risk of diseases and can help maintain a healthy weight. It is important to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine in order to stay healthy. 

An easy schedule of workouts

i) Do home workouts

It is not as difficult as it seems to be. I workout 30 min daily – all home workouts. This helps me save my time by removing the need to go to the gym. And adds to my confidence since I am able to comply to this schedule most of the time. 

ii) Incorporate activities in your daily life 

While working, try to stand more than sitting. If you cannot do that, walk to your office rather than driving. If you live far away, try to walk more in office so that you complete at least 10,000 steps daily. Simple calorie burnouts like this can help you cut a lot of weight. 

C. Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle choices can also have an impact on your health. Choosing to lead a healthy lifestyle can help improve physical and mental health. Avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive drinking can help reduce the risk of health problems.

D. Take enough rest 

Rest and sleep are necessary for focus at work and happy interactions with family. Getting enough sleep can help to reduce stress and can help improve overall well-being.

In the race of being the best, we have forgotten simple things in life. A good sleep, a 15 min meditation can have surprising benefits in your life. 

E. Stress – How to manage stress and relax

Managing stress is important for maintaining mental health. Taking time to relax can help to reduce stress and can help to improve overall mental health.

There are systematic relaxation methods involving deep breathing and balancing mind and breath. Such practices ( derived from ‘Shavasana’ practices) can help you get into great mental states. These states can have almost magical benefits in your work and life.

I hope I have made a case for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

And probably you also understood the importance of health in life and would not do the same mistakes I did.

So, what are you waiting for – get it to the top of your ‘todo’ list today. 

Let me know in comments if you have any questions.