What does it mean to be healthy? It seems the more knowledge we accumulate, the murkier the answer to this question becomes.
Every day, week or month there’s another article, research paper or study warning or praising us for the same behaviour: Drinking any coffee is bad for you. Wait, drinking too much coffee is bad for you. No, wait, drinking two cups of coffee a day is good for you. Well, which one is it?
So, then, what does it mean to be healthy? The only reasonable answer I can give is for each person to come to a place of honesty with themselves about how they feel.
Do you feel good most days? Do you feel happy most days? Do you feel capable and strong most days? That to me is healthy.
If you feel achy and tired more often than not; if you feel moody and upset more often than not; if you feel weak and sore more often than not, to me something needs to change.
My “healthy” is moving daily, sweating regularly, enjoying what I eat, giving lots of hugs, being kind to others and myself, and trying to be compassionate as much as possible.
When we prioritize the positive, good things tend to come our way. We feel more inclined to go for a walk or a workout, and enjoy cooking our own meals or being in the company of others.
As with most things in life, you have to work at being healthy. And as with everything in life, consistency, time and dedication is what will get you there.
Healthy isn’t a picture in a magazine. It isn’t a look or a diet or how much you can lift. It’s all about how you feel.
Do what you can with what you have where you are, and always prioritize the positive.
Melissa Sloos is a certified group fitness instructor, spin instructor and co-owner at Coast Fitness in Powell River.
