Wellness On My Mind

15 months ago, I was 15 pounds lighter. Which means for each month this blog has existed, I have put on one pound. It's definitely noticeable. When I slouch while at my computer, it feels like there is a rubber tube around my waist. It is more of a strain to go up stairs. When given the choice, I will take fries over salad. I have been using the subway to commute to work more than riding my bike. Plus I finally conceded and bought 6 new pairs of pants.

Truly none of this irreversible. However, before I fall too far down the slope of poor health habits, it is time to make a serious turnaround. Otherwise if this behavior continues, I see myself getting to the point where the climb back up will be too long, and I am not going to bother trying.

Perhaps I am overreacting. It would not be the first time I heard that lately. However, the lazy habits came when I started putting time and effort into writing. As I honed this skill, I put in more spare hours whereas those hours used to be spent exercising. I also became less concerned about how much food I ate. Or what I ate. Or how much sleep I got.

Now is the time to change. I am more comfortable with my writing skills, this blog has developed legs, and I miss the regular dose of endorphins. Plus, I am the "benefits guy" where I work, dealing with plan designs, cost analysis and organizational development. I am not comfortable appearing to be a sloth while trying to convince employees that healthier lifestyles keep health care costs down. 

So here's the deal:
If you notice fewer blog posts or less social media activity, it is probably because I am sleeping more, or I am spending time being physically active, or I am doing something other than sitting in front of this brightly-lit box. I am not going to stop writing. However I am going to spread that time around more efficiently.

I already started walking to work this week. It did not matter that it was 20 degrees one morning and my walk is 45 minutes. I also went to the gym two days in a row for a total of four times last week. I think I have not done that since 2009.

So this is where I start to go back up the slippery slope and offer up some advice.
If you want to know how bad the health of America is watch this:

If you want to get a regular dose of inspiration about wellness, read Fran Melmed's Free Range Communications or Carol Harnett.

And if you want to change your food and exercise habits, there is no time like right now. Do something simple to start. Close your internet browser, turn off your computer and go outside for a walk. It does not matter if it is cold where you are. The time spent searching for an excuse is the time you could be spending thinking about wellness.