You might remember, I believe “wealth” is more than just money. You need to be healthy enough, and have enough time available to do all the things you want to do.

And a lot of stuff you don’t want to do (like go to work or hang around in queues).

But, same as most things I think about, health goals involve some planning.

Health Goals

Like many people at this time of year, I have health goals. I have them every year, but as the transplant enters its thirteenth year, it’s getting tired. Which is to be expected given the drugs I take to save the transplant, are also killing it.

Here in Australia (at the moment), you might have to wait more than two years to see a health professional, which is just as well, because you’re going to need that much time to save up to pay for it!

And this us where you can do a lot for yourself to help the situation. Doesn’t matter what kind of doctor you see, chances are they’re going to start by telling you to lose weight, get more exercise, quit smoking and manage your stress.

Lose Weight

And that starts with eating fresh produce, eaten as close to its natural state as possible to provide the best nutrition. Just giving up a cookie a day will help the situation, or substuting with fruit even better. Giving up the chain restaurants, and if you can’t learn to make your own burgers (DB’s are excellent).

It will change your finances, and with some research, you’ll be prepared with some basic knowledge that will help you plan your meals.

If you want to choose a particular lifestyle, e.g., vegan or Mediterranean, you might like to get prepared sooner rather than later so you can ditch all the stuff you won’t be eating, and buy the good stuff as you go.

Get More Exercise

The wonderful thing about exercise, is it doesn’t need to cost anything except time. Least ways, not if you’re motivated to start, and committed to keep going. The main thing here is getting up and getting going.

Which is why we do it first thing in the morning, before anything gets in the way (which also keeps Clever Girl biddable). It’s also been shown, exercising before breakfast is more beneficial than after.

If you don’t have a dog, someone else to walk with you, or an abiding interest in the little things that change over time (like leaves and birds), you can double time it with podcasts or books, or just liseten to some upbeat tunes.

Quit Smoking

The number one thing you can do for your physical and mental health is quit smoking. And this will (in the long run), benefit your bank account as well as your health. If you’re using a nicotine substitute, it may take a little longer than if you go cold turkey. And if you use a substitute, make sure you plan to end it rather than replacing smoking with chewing nicotine gum.

Though this is another one that you need to prepare yourself for.

Manage Stress

Managing stress can be the hardest one, but if you want to lose weight, get more exercise, or quit smoking, you’ll really need to increase your resistance. (Or get a pet).

And this is something that’s almost impossible to do on your own.

You could get a subscription to a service like Headspace, or Calm to learn to meditate. Or incorporate a gentle exercise like yoga or tai chi with a meditative element into your routine. Start writing “Morning Pages,” to get some of your aggression out before you take it to work with you.

And while we’re thinking about Mornings, have a morning and evening routine that support you in your bid to manage stress. (I’m looking at your checking your email or social media in the morning – you know who you are).

Research for small tips, you can add to your day, like taking a deep breath before you reply to an incendiary comment (you’ll take the breath anyway). Or dedicating your suffering to someone else.

My Health Goals

My health goals, based on the assumption without your health you got nothing (as you’d expect with a transplant turning 13 this year) contain all of the above.

I’ll be moving towards a plant based diet, starting strenght training, changing the number of years I haven’t smoked to 23 and continuing to meditate and journal every morning.

Plus, I’ll be trying to drink more water!

Are you planning any health goals in 2024?

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Photo by Total Shape on Unsplash

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Just a little reminder, you can read more on the Holistic Personal Finance page.

Just a little reminder, you can read other relevant posts on the Holistic Personal Finance page.

Body Wellness