Mind & Spirit
| Plan Your Wellness Journey |
by Randy Coleman
Imagine that you’ve always wanted to travel and see the world. So one day, you walk out of your front door, head down the street and just start walking with no particular destination in mind.
You haven’t given much thought about where you want to go or exactly how you’re going to get there, but you are certain that you want to travel – and now you’ve picked a direction and are moving.
For several days, you just walk. Stopping periodically to buy maps that you don’t really use and to refuel at non-descript restaurants that just happen to be along the route. Now, you’re officially “nowhere” even though you’ve technically been on a trip.
You are tired, frustrated and disillusioned.
This trip isn’t anything like the travel adventures that your globe-trotting friends describe. In fact, this little walkabout has convinced you that travel stinks. The end results are certainly not worth the effort, so from now on you’ll just stay home.
But an inner-voice continues to nag at you. “Other people love to travel and have great trips all the time. What did you do wrong?”
Well, in hindsight, the answer is obvious. You didn’t plan your trip at all. Heck, you didn’t even know where you wanted to go.
Now, this example may seem far-fetched and kind of stupid because no one, particularly in this economy, would take off on a trip without giving it any thought. And yet, every day people embark on their wellness journeys without a destination, without a map and without a suitcase.
Starting a successful wellness/fitness program is similar to planning an enjoyable trip. The first step in both journeys is determining where you want to go. Today, when it comes to fitness and wellness, the possible destinations are almost unlimited. The key to finding a suitable destination is research.
Do you want to lose weight? Lower your cholesterol? Increase your stamina? Improve your flexibility? Strengthen your bones? Knowing specifically what you want to accomplish will help you select an appropriate course of action.
Do you enjoy indoor or outdoor activities? Do you like a wide variety of experiences or do you relish a routine? Do you like to be with a group or do you prefer solitary activities? Do you want to get your competitive juices flowing or do you just want to participate for fun? Knowing your style and preferences will help you choose a plan that not only offers health benefits, but enriches your life.
It’s also important to consider your budget. Fitness, like travel, can be as inexpensive or as luxurious as you choose to make it. The diet/fitness industry has become big business, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend money to get big results. You can incorporate activities and practices into your life that don’t cost anything. Walking is one example. Substituting fresh fruits and vegetables for highly processed foods is another. With research, the list gets longer.
Because there is so much information available, some people find it helpful to enlist professionals. When you are planning a vacation, travel agents do the research and help you plan a trip that meets your expectations. In the world of fitness, these people may include trainers, wellness coaches, dieticians and nutritionists. While it is possible to hire any of these people privately, research will help you find programs, often times offered through hospitals or other wellness organizations, where these people share their expertise at little or no cost to you.
Remember, planning a successful trip requires knowing yourself and choosing your destination. Some people prefer the beach, while others prefer the mountains. Some enjoy bustling cities, while others revel in the quiet of rural areas. Travel is not one-size-fits-all and neither is wellness. Choose your destination wisely and move toward it one well-informed, enjoyable step at a time. |
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