Healthy Bodies Series Pt. 1
Let's face it, excess weight negatively impacts all aspects of our health- the physical, psychological, and emotional. From back pain to depression and to poor self image, all facets of life are affected by poor weight management. Despite this, few people understand the long term effects of being overweight. We tell ourselves that our weight really only impacts our self esteem, self image, or beauty. We deny ourselves the truth that excess weight increases the risk for 50 different health problems many of which are leading causes of death. Today we will discuss emotional health, but check back for Parts 2 and 3 where we explore the physical and psychological.
When we look in the mirror and find discontentment with our physical appearance we dehumanize ourselves. We disregard the qualities that make us human and replace them with an image- a single glimpse at something rather than into it. We are far too complex to be understood by a single glance and yet frequently we make the mistake of judging ourselves by our physical appearance. The person we see in the mirror is not a complete description of who we are, it merely bears the mark of the time we have served.
To achieve emotional health we must learn to stop criticizing the physical. We must begin to uncover that which lies within by observing what is keeping us from total health. For some that means peeling back the layers of fat and excess weight while for others it means digging beneath the surface level muscles and composition.
Self reflect on how excess weight or lack of healthful weight may be impacting you from within. Forget outward appearances, what does your body look like within? How have years of poor eating affected your internal organs? How has your unhealthy lifestyle damaged your heart and lungs? How has your poor self image impacted your mental health?
In our society we put a high price on physical appearance and in doing so we forget the value of health and longevity. We hold tight to the saying "age before beauty" and yet our entire society seems to be on a conquest to find the key to eternal youth! This week make it your goal to atune yourself with the innerworkings of your body and mind. Set aside your perceived physical self and see yourself for who you actually are. View yourself as a person, a human, a creative being with emotions, thoughts, senses, experiences, and potential. Set aside all false notions of beauty and swap them for wholesome and valuable measurements.
Health starts from within.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.