Body, Mind and Soul (part un)

Throughout my adult life, I never understood the total concept of body, mind and soul.  I always regarded it as a frivolous notion, perpetuated by the ‘yoga community’ (note: sorry … namaste), with little weight of importance.  All the way through my twenties and early part of my thirties, the words like holistic and integrative were not part of my vocabulary.                                                                                

I only started exercising right before I turned 30 – I was late to the game.  I was working for an international consulting firm then.  I saw how my ‘mat salleh’ colleagues would wake up as early as 5AM (whilst we were on projects abroad), they would hit the gym before getting ready for work by 8AM.  They were very disciplined.  Exercise was part of their daily lives.  I could tell how alert they were at work – so focused, so sharp, and I wanted what they were feeling.

I later picked up the habit.  First and foremost, I got myself the gym outfits.  Hey, I am a girl, and having the right outfits is key to the longevity of my newly adopted lifestyle, I thought.  Priorities, priorities … LOL!                                                                           

I started running once a week, then twice, and later thrice a week.  I interlaced my cardio workout with some weight training, to build up muscle strength. 

After much consistency, I could feel the changes happening in my body.  I felt more energetic, and I loved the sense of achievement I got from my new ‘leisure pursuit’. I was also addicted to the feeling after – the serotonin effect.  People often refer to serotonin as the happy hormones, due to the roles they play in regulating moods and emotions.  Being in good shape didn’t hurt either. 

I have kept with the regime, for more than 20 years now.  I haven’t looked back since.

Being active is vital.  I cannot stress it hard enough.  I am sure everyone is aware of its immediate and long-term health benefits.  Exercise strengthens the heart, lungs, reduces blood sugar levels, controls weight, strengthens bones, regulates blood pressure.  The list goes on and on. 

Yes, it is difficult to start.  Yes, it requires a strong willpower.  I know, I have been there.  But once you do, you will not regret it.

Think about it – if you set aside an hour a day for only 3 days in a week, that is equivalent to 3 hours a week.  O.N.L.Y  3  H.O.U.R.S  A  W.E.E.K. 

Do the math.  That is like watching 2 movies, or if you are a Bollywood fan, it is like watching 1 Bollywood movie.

I believe that you owe it to yourself, you owe it to your family, and to your loved ones, to be healthy and strong.

Take care of your body, and your mind will follow.