While we have long passed the New Year, the summer is a fabulous time to think about your health and wellness game plan. Being not a fan of resolutions but a believer in plans, try this on for size. Why don’t you make your own personal 5-Point Wellness Plan for the summer?
If there is something the lockdown has taught us it is that we humans do not do well without a plan. In the eloquent words of Coach John Wooden:
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”
First imagine where you see yourself in one year. Then write down five items that will help move you towards that place you want to be in a year.
Let’s explore one example. Say in a year you see yourself with less stress sitting quietly in a park or on a beach feeling rejuvenated. OK, what five items will move you closer to that place of quiet relaxation in a year.
Items to ponder for the plan
- Put limits on your use of electronic devices, like turning off several hours before sleep
- Investigate breathing or meditation methods, keep it simple in time and effort
- Get adequate sunshine and natural light on your body, daily if possible
- Plan your shopping and cooking week by week for less nutritional stress
- Tell a friend your 5-point plan for accountability
The point of the exercise is to make a few small habits that move you closer to your overall goal. Writing your plans down is super important. Place them somewhere where you will see them regularly and as mentioned tell at least one person your strategy.
Life always has a way of pulling us off our targets. Whether it is a holiday, a work commitment or we simply forgot to put it on our calendar, a framework can keep us right on track.
This is what sports’ coaches do, keep their players on point, organize regular tasks, develop rituals to support mindset and discipline, practice, plan and perform. Coaches exist in all shapes and sizes today beyond sports, from life to health to career and beyond.
Learning skills to be your own coach is a handy tool to acquire. Again, don’t forget to enlist a friend or companion to hold you accountable. The prospect of reaching your goal in a year is attainable with a solid 5-Point Wellness Plan in hand.
P.S. If you want to know more about what health coaching can do for you give us a call or email.
