Why Should We Care About Our Health?
The majority of us care about what we eat and how much we exercise because of the outward, superficial benefits that sacrifice in these areas brings us.
We all want to see muscle definition, only have one chin and be attractive to the opposite sex.
Unfortunately our society cares deeply about how we look. However this is not all bad. The way we interact with the outside world around us is often a reflection of how we view ourselves. If we lose respect for ourselves, in both the physical and mental sense, then our respect for others ceases to exist.
As important as our outward image is to ourselves and (more likely) those around us, the importance of health goes much deeper and affects areas of our lives that we often overlook.
The Rock
Health is the rock on which all other aspects of life balance on. Don't believe me? When we become ill, we can not work, don't want to learn, we avoid social interaction and pretty much stop our lives until we are healed.
Every aspect of life depends on how healthy we are. A chink in our health armor can derail life goals, ambitions and dreams. No other aspect of life has the power to transform our lives like our health. Except for maybe having a child.
It won't matter how much money we make, or how many new cars we own, or how big our homes are if our health is broken and we are unable to enjoy these pleasures.
Many people who do not take care of their health refer to people who do by calling them "health nuts" or view us as alien life forms.
These people are blinded from the fact that their life is controlled by how healthy they are. Whether it be an illness or simply needing to stop to catch a breath after walking up a flight of stairs. Our health affects us on a day to day basis, whether we are aware of it or not.
Other Motivation
Why else should we care about our health?
In second behind physical appearance is the hope that we will live longer. For many this may be the case, but for some it is not. One thing is for certain however, being physically fit, having energy and embracing a healthy lifestyle will lead to a more enjoyable life. This can range from the importance of self confidence, self image and can even affect how we interact with those around us.
Will being healthy automatically result in a longer life? Who the hell knows. I could get hit by a car after I finish writing this article. Chance is an area of life we have no control over*.
* Sort of. Karma is an idea that I find truthfully fascinating and at the same time graveyard-after-dark terrifying.
Final Thoughts
Personally, for the time that I am allotted on this planet, I would rather have the peace of mind that what I am doing (nutrition and exercise speaking) is making my body work more efficiently and hopefully free of disease.
I am happy when I look in the mirror, I enjoy life and content with who I am. For me this is a reflection of living a lifestyle that I deem as healthy.
In truth, it really does not matter what motivates you to take your health into your own hands. As long as you are doing something (whether it be right or wrong) it is better than sitting on the sidelines and hoping.
Ryan
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