It so happens that I am giving a talk with the above title on Thursday July 9 at the Small Business Chamber Lunch & Learn at 11:30 at ParMasters, except you can replace the .... with "Small Business Owners". So, here's my first pass at the bullet points I'll cover, minus the SBO flavor and with apologies to Steven Covey.

 

Bearing in mind that most deaths and diseases are caused by the lifestyle choices that we make everyday, here is my take on the key habits you need to maintain health:

 

1. Get enough Rest and Relaxation. Americans are chronically sleep-deprived and famously workaholic. Lack of adequate sleep raises the risk of heart disease, depression, diabetes and obesity; impairs cognitive function, memory, the immune system, and driving ability; and changes your metabolism. Relaxing with a hobby or friends and family reduces stress and gives you pleasure. Laughter has actual, measurable, positive benefits to heart and brain function.

 

2. Achieve and maintain your Weight within a Healthy range. While most Americans are overweight, our role models are often underweight. Understand what causes YOU to gain or lose weight, make a plan to reach your goal range, and get help if you need it. Weight loss is simple - eat less, move more - but not easy. Embrace your new lifestyle instead of mourning the old. Don't deprive yourself, just enjoy healthier things.

 

3. Exercise. Move. Use your body for what it was meant to do. If you allow it to, exercise will make you feel better, look better, perform better. Most of us exercise our brains with work and our emotions with other people, but we think exercising our bodies is awful. Change your attitude so that you "get" to exercise, not "have" to exercise. 

 

4. Eat well. More fruits, vegetables, whole grains and water. Less fat, simple carbs and processed food. Learn your portion sizes and stick to them. Avoid trouble spots like fast food and junk food. Prepare foods correctly and healthfully - more grilling, baking, roasting, less frying and fatty sauces. Shop smart - on the outer aisles.

 

5. Develop and maintain an Appropriate Focus. Identify the most important things in your life (including your health), prioritze them, and focus your time and energy on them in appropriate amounts and times. Don't sweat the small stuff. 

 

6. Keep a Positive Attitude, especially towards changes. Most likely, you will need to change some of your health habits. You will be out of your comfort zone for a while, until you have established a new, healthier comfort zone. Reinvent yourself as someone who likes the new changes. Set positive goals, monitor your progress, and reward achievements. Make your self-talk positive not negative. Be mindful of what you're doing and enjoy it while in the act. This is a KEY to success.

 

7. Don't be afraid to seek Professional Help. Use a trainer or dietitian if you can't seem to get started or make progress with lifestyle changes on your own. Get your regular medical and dental check ups. Use a financial planner, life or business coach to set the right directions and keep to the path. Make your life easier by focusing on your strengths and getting professional help for your weaknesses. You only go around once in life, why not make it an enjoyable, fulfilling experience?