“What is your aim?” we get asked many times. We always think for a minute, or sometimes have prepared answers for this question. Often, we say what we want the most. Not what we really need. That’s how we have all been tuned to look at life. We set goals for what we want to achieve. We take efforts for what we want to become. But how many of us really have health on mind?
Setting health goals is something we look at so differently. As if it was not meant to be. Or that it is a fertile activity. Of course, there are some good souls who know the importance of such goals. The awareness keeps spreading. Most either don’t have the time or the means to access fitness training professionals. With the lifestyle of today’s, it is just not sufficient to just eat 3 square meals a day and get short walks. We have to set up health goals that apply to us. Find out what our body needs. Then set relatable and realisable targets.
Many often get the idea wrong. It is not just bodybuilding or getting muscles. Though it could be the personal aim or preference of the level of fitness, the general idea is to maintain the overall health. Approaching personal health with baby steps will do. The start is setting health goals.
Health goals – Setting them right
Setting up goals need not be mundane or boring. Form a quad. Your fitness squad. Stick to your group’s fitness schedule and aspirations. Roping in people to do what is necessary will give the necessary push, not only for you but for others as well.
Which brings us to the next point. Family goals. Let the goodness of good health be enjoyed by all your loved ones as well. Create a variety of activities or exercises that all ages of family members can do. There you have another way to spend fun but productive family time.
If you’re like the solitary reaper, technology can be put to good use. There are many apps that help in monitoring health conditions. They help you keep track of the level of physical activity you get every single day versus the intake of calories.
Consistency – The key to good health
Good health is not a one-time activity. It is not sufficient if we just set goals and let it all go in a few days. We have to ensure that we continually keep doing what we have to do – diet and exercise. Dieting s not extreme. We just have to take more of what we need. If there are specific health conditions, it is better to consult your doctor for dietary advice.
To keep u motivated, we can use the results of our efforts. Taking photos of our improvements periodically (not every day!) and posting them up where we can see is one idea. Another is the common thought of fitting into an old favourite dress of ours.
Doing it right – striking a balance
The most important point t note is that fitness should not be extreme. We have to strike a balance between our daily activities, diet and exercise needs. Overdoing it is worse than not doing at all. When we get into fitness, it is better to consult an experienced dietitian and/or a trainer for matching or health needs. Not to obtain unhealthy body pursuits of others.
Each of us is unique. We come in all shapes and sizes. We have to respect that. Looking at others to decide our body goals is harmful. There are also no shortcuts to good health. We have to do what we have to do. Fat reducing pills, extreme diets, unreasonable workouts – all of these pulls us away from good health and onto the path of self-damage.
Let us take a moment to realise and appreciate the good health and life we have got. And try to preserve it. Small efforts towards this cause are all we need. The rest will be taken care of by nature.
