Health, Society, & Possibility

It’s amazing how problems that are seemingly big, can suddenly become small, and stress that makes life gray, suddenly doesn’t seem nearly as serious when we simply take care of ourselves. I find the connection between reality and our thoughts is not exactly a static and objective thing, but flexible due to our conditions. If we can change those conditions, then we can change our circumstances and the way we react (or don’t react) to life’s trials.

The body always lets you know what’s up. Stress can seem like the new “normal” if it’s prolonged for too long. However, the body is always trying to adapt to the stress, and sometimes we just keep going, even in the wrong direction, until the body protests enough and we go into total burnout. Depression and anxiety is widespread these days, for millions, it’s the “normal” way to live. A lot of complexity may be added to the thinking process, trying to figure out all the details of the situation, but all too often, we know the answers, and they’re simpler than we’d like to admit.

I’m curious to see how the human mind would react to getting sufficient water, nutrition, sleep, and exercise. It’s really quite simple, but incredibly overlooked. Our bodies are mean to be moving, and to be outdoors. We’ve come up with cures for so many diseases, but yet quality of life still suffers due to the ultimate preventative: taking care of ourselves.

I’m not saying that chemical mental disorders are not a real thing, but I do believe that we have the power and (usually) the resources to change an unhealthy body.

What’s interesting about our health is that it’s not just us who benefits from it. We interact with society, our families, and friends better when we’re healthy. It’s not just so we have an awesome six-pack (which sure doesn’t hurt), but about actually contributing to others. No one wants anything to do with reality when they’re hung-over, sleep deprived, or in the midst of some withdrawal.

We have a responsibility to society to be healthier. It’s not always easy, but it’s not an excuse to be lazy. Ironically, how much we contribute to others will directly affect the way we feel towards ourselves. It’s easy and effortless to be greedy, and gain short-term benefits. It’s a big eye-opener when we step outside of ourselves and do something altruistic, or at least considerate.

It’s my wish that we all make the most of ourselves. Life’s short - temporary, but it’s a gift, and I believe the way we treat this life now will have a relation to what comes next. We never know how much of a difference we can make in this world until we take the first, and most basic steps towards building and maintaining our health. I was once told that a health body makes a healthy mind, which helps make a healthy spirit. All of these aspects correlate to each other – when one improves, the others follow suit.

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