How fit are we ? You may think I ’ m talking about our bodies , how we want to get or maintain fitness . Maybe like taking a walk every day , or having a gym membership . But , I ’ m referring to another type of fitness –– emotional fitness .
FITNESS Webster ’ s dictionary defines fitness as the quality or state of being fit . Physical activity in conjunction with good nutrition benefits a person by lowering the risks for cardiovascular disease and helps you stay active . In addition , according to the President ’ s Council on Fitness , Sports and Nutrition it also :
• Prevents other chronic diseases such as cancer and stroke ( all three with heart disease are leading causes of death )
• Controls weight
• Reduces fat
• Promotes development of strong bones and muscles
• Increases energy and self esteem as well as decreases the potential for becoming depressed
• Relieves stress
• Improves sleep
There are so many benefits ! What if we can condition our minds to work with our active bodies and lifestyles ? It ’ s teamwork between mind and body . Sounds good , right ? A perfect balance . It requires a lot of effort from us but it can be done .
“ Caring for the mind is as important as caring for the body . In fact , one cannot be healthy without the other .”–– Sid Garza-Hillman
Emotional
Fitness
By Julie Alvira , MD , MBA
EMOTIONAL FITNESS During our current times , we deal with busy schedules and many tasks at hand that make up our normal day . What about connection ? Do you think it ’ s as important ? Not only the connections with people , jobs , and circumstances that surround us , but I ’ m talking about connection with our intimacy . Staying connected with all areas of our lives in order to have strength and a sense of balance –– an homeostasis . To have the power to bounce back emotionally and take action in difficult situations , while building resilience . That is emotional fitness .
If we are physically fit but our mind is not , there is an unbalance . There are centers across the globe that provide services and treatment for individuals who don ’ t feel emotionally fit . Psychological research has shown that as we age we tend to regulate emotions more effectively . Studies have presented that with age , people prioritize their goals better by making them more meaningful using cognitive and behavioral resources . Younger adults tend to focus on the negative part of circumstances while older adults focus on positive thinking and images . We are addicted to our thoughts so when we process them negatively , our energy is drained with over thinking , self-criticism , guilt , anger , and many other emotions that prevent success .
CORPORATE FITNESS Nowadays , companies have internal corporate wellness strategies to approach the concept of emotional fitness and wellness by practicing corporate competency . They know that their employees are the gold of the organization and understand that emotional health issues impact numbers and a company ’ s business .
ShoreTel , a technology company , gives freedom to employees to design their own routines and help each other to live a healthier lifestyle . Aetna , a medical insurance company , promotes meditation and yoga as part of their wellness programs to reduce employees ’ stress levels and to stimulate productivity . Booz Allen Hamilton , a management and technology consulting company , understands wellness and has in place a program that includes cardio exercise and mental health education . Kirkland & Ellis , an international law firm , has a wellness program in place that includes meditation , webinars , and coaching . And the list goes on and on !
TRAITS OF EMOTIONALLY FIT PEOPLE
• Confidence and self-esteem : They know what they are capable of and don ’ t need the approval of others . They are working on their own achievements or on the route to get there .
• Mindfulness : They are living here in the present . The past gave them experiences to have tools and work on the now .
• Resilience : If they fall , they get back up –– stronger and better .
• Commit to themselves : They believe in themselves without fear but with faith . They are real , mature , vulnerable , and driven .
• Boundaries and limits : They know how to say “ no .”
Julie Alvira , M . D ., MBA , Healthcare Management creator of AJBodysculpt . www . ajbodysculpt . com . A health , wellness , and fitness platform that provides you with the necessary tools to get into a healthier lifestyle . Health & Wellness Speaker / Corporate Wellness Consulting / Coaching / Writer . You can see her fitness videos in Youtube : AJBodysculpt . Contact : julie @ ajbodysculpt . com .
DALLAS COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016
35