Sunday, January 18, 2009

Healthy mind and healthy body


Hi All,
When I started off to my office I could feel that it’s a very pleasant and lovely day, clear sky, chilly winds of December, the blue sky and the snowy clouds created an impressive canvas I wanted to glide through the clouds like I do with the waves of the sea, birds too are flying across, sure there are not thinking about the peer pressure or politics or strategies to fend for themselves in this corporate world, obviously enjoying each breath of fresh air, flying to the rhythm of the freedom.

My mind too started flying along with bird, oh stop it shabs, think about your goals for the day, think about the global credit crunch, IT infrastructure, latest innovations in the Industry and business strategies than letting your thoughts to wander around, ok ok iam coming back to the point, lets focus on our title, healthy mind healthy body, everyone will agree that a healthy mind will project a healthy body and vice versa

So let me share with you the entire excerpt from Harward Medical schools newsletter, which I found really informative, so let’s keep all your tensions and concerns away for a while and start working on maintaining a healthy body to accommodate a healthy mind.


The Benefit of FitnessWe all know that keeping physically active and exercising regularly are good for your health. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week:
Lowers blood pressure Decreases the risk of heart disease Helps prevent type 2 diabetes Reduces the risk of certain types of cancer Adds to bone strength Assists in weight control Regular exercise also improves your chances of living longer with more stamina. It’s also a way to detoxify your body or as a way to give the body a daily tune-up. With all these benefits from exercise, who would want to just sit all day?


How do you start an exercise program?Check with your physician to determine what types of physical activities are safe for you to engage in. Make a list of physical activities that you enjoy. Try to include cardiovascular or aerobic exercise — for example, walking, running, biking, swimming, dancing, or jumping rope — and muscle-strengthening activities — such as lifting light weights or doing push-ups — into your routine on different days.


Walking is always a good option to include in a fitness program, because no special skills or equipment is required. Include a variety of activities to avoid boredom, and use different muscle groups. Make sure the type and site of activities fit into your daily routine to lessen the hurdle of preparing for exercise. Strive to increase your physical activity throughout the day. Take 10-minute stretch breaks at work. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take time to visualize yourself engaging in regular exercise and developing a fitter body that is ready to prevent and fight disease and to help you pursue your dreams. If you are just starting to exercise, begin with 15 to 20 minutes, three times a week.
How do you stay motivated?Form the exercise habit. Consistency is one of the most important ingredients. Repetition of actions yields habits. Just as you have a time slot for brushing your teeth, make an appointment for exercise. Keep an exercise diary. Record the type and duration of exercise. Also, keep track of your periods of inactivity. The diary will serve to reinforce and help you visualize your accomplishments. Be patient with yourself. Focus on your successes, not your failures, and reward yourself. Choose rewards other than food. Enlist the support of family and friends. Teaming up with others to exercise allows you to encourage each other. Keep your friends updated about your progress. Friends also can applaud and reward your accomplishments. Set measurable and reasonable goals.


For example, if you walk for 30 minutes three times a week, you might consider adding a 2-minute running period to each session. Finally, have fun. Distractions like talking to someone, deeply inhaling fresh air, or reading a magazine can soothe your mind and allow you to enjoy the sweat, pulsating heart, and contracting muscles of the body in motion.

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