You are a result of the things around you. Whether it is by choice or force, the things that surround you have a huge impact on who you are and what you do. We’re all familiar with this concept when it comes to people - the people who we surround ourselves with. But what we don’t realize is that this concept applies to “things” too: fill your house up with couches and you’ll find yourself sitting a lot. Install half a dozen full-sized mirrors in each room and you’ll end up becoming more conscious about how you look. Own enough gadgets and apps and you’ll only rarely raise your head to see the real world.
Extrapolating this, it’s no surprise that people back in the day were healthier than us. The conditions they lived in promoted health through compulsory movement and restricted eating. They didn’t have 300 channels broadcasting 24/7 and hence had no choice but to get out more. They ate real wholesome food at the right quantities because those were the only foods available. They slept 8 hours or more a day because they didn’t have TV shows, YouTube or night clubs to keep them up and neither did they work per an international clock forcing them to be up when the world around them sleeps.
Today, we find ourselves in an environment that doesn’t promote health. We hardly get enough sleep, we work too much, laugh too little, pop pills to sleep, sip on coffee to wake up, move little and sit way too much. We surround ourselves with comfort-promoting things – there is always a couch nearby, the fridge is never too far, electronics are only as far away as the remote controls are and vehicles, elevators and escalators have made walking obsolete.
I’m not saying you need to renounce all material wealth and head out to live in the woods. I’m saying if well-being is something you’re interested in, then you need to create an environment that promotes well-being. How do you do that? Here are some ideas.
1. Reduce the number of “seats” at home. Don’t go all Steve Jobs on your family now. Just regulate the number of seating areas.
2. Be smart about your pantry. If you store junk food, it is only a matter of time before you eat it. I know it’s for your visitors and kids, but you know you dip into that stash when no one is watching. So stop fooling yourself and rid the pantry of junk food.
3. Become a part of circles that promote health and fitness. Running, group training and team sports are motivational, fun and will encourage companionship that doesn’t revolve around junk food, alcohol and late nights.
4. Go to restaurants that have healthful food options. What do you do if you go to an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet? Well, don’t go there. At least for as long as your goals include health and weight management.
5. And finally, surround yourself with friends and family that understand the importance of health. Like in everything else, people make all the difference in the end. The more support you get from your favourite folks, the easier this whole ordeal will be.
