MHAW 2019 – Taha Tinana – Physical Wellbeing

Today we explore:

“Taha Tinana – Physical Wellbeing

Being well physically can help us cope with the challenges that life throws at us. A healthy body can lead to a healthy mind. Our physical body could be thought of as the vessel that carries our mind. The physical body needs the right fuel and maintenance so that it has the strength to continue moving forward.

Running has been my way of taking care of my physical wellbeing for most of my life. Growing up in a family of runners and being part of a running club since I was young has allowed me to turn this activity into a healthy habit which is just part of my daily routine. Running has challenged me to push my body to it’s physical limit, but it also provides me with emotional relief and freedom. Going for a run is my favourite way to manage stress and escape responsibilities for a while.

Exercise isn’t the only way towards achieving physical wellbeing. Maybe you could challenge yourself this week to do one of the following:

DRINK MORE WATER

When you’re constantly on the go with a busy lifestyle it can be easy to forget to drink. If you want to keep working as hard as you are it’s crucial that you stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle close at all times. Maybe you could set a goal to drink a certain amount of water each day.

Photo by Bit Cloud on Unsplash

SWAP OUT UNHEALTHY SNACKS FOR HEALTHY SNACKS

A lot of snack food can have excessive amounts of sugar in them. Far more than the average person needs. Instead of reaching for a chocolate bar or even some of those muesli bars high in sugar, grab some fruit or veggies instead. Cravings can be hard to beat, so I try to only pack healthy foods in my bag for work. That way, I don’t have to rely on will power to choose healthy options as they are the only options available.

Photo by Maja Petric on Unsplash

TAKE REGULAR BREAKS

When we get piles of work to complete and we feel like we are falling behind, we think that powering our way through the work is the best way forward. Hard work is good, but you may find that you might be more efficient if you divide this hard work up into chunks. Every hour, get up and move. Go to the toilet, walk around the office, stretch. Do something to get your body moving then come back to that work with a clear head.

Photo by Cathryn Lavery on Unsplash

LEARN ABOUT HEREDITARY MEDICAL CONDITIONS

There may be a medical condition running through your family that you know about. If so, it could be a good idea to learn more about this condition and understand what steps you can take to prevent or manage this condition. Having this knowledge could not only be beneficial for yourself but also for your whānau.

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

Let me know what you have done today to explore taha tinana – physical wellbeing!

For more information, visit https://mhaw.nz/

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