Health is a Lifestyle, Not a Trend

When you hear the word “lifestyle” what do you think of?  Something along the lines of longevity and things you obtain, right?  Describing your lifestyle might include the car you drive, the home live in, the clothes you wear, the job you possess, the amount of money you have, etc.  A lifestyle is how you live.  So why not add good health to your current list? 

As you scroll through social media, page through a magazine, or listen to news interviews or podcasts, you are constantly bombarded with the next “diet that will make you lose 20 lbs” or “top three best workouts for when you hit the gym.”  Or even merchandise you can buy that claims to enhance your workout like the waist trainers worn by celebrities and Instagram workout fanatics to get a smaller, slimmer waist.  Nowadays, we are fed through all outlets of media to shape what a “healthy lifestyle” should look like.  The thing is, being healthy does not mean following the latest trend or hopping on the bandwagon with everyone else.  Being healthy is a lifestyle, it’s what YOU make of it.

When you think of the times when you’re most healthy, like eating nutritious food or hitting the gym more frequently during the week than normal, it’s usually before spring and summer break, right?  Cause you just have to get that “spring break or summer bod.”  These are times when you cram as many diets, cleanses, and workouts into two weeks before vacation time hits.  It’s a trend that so many tend to follow, and there’s no in that because we all have done it at least once before. 

But let me tell you, being healthy, feeling your best, doing your best, being your best you, is not going to come from the latest trend.  It’s not going to come from the new vitamins or buying a new FitBit/Apple watch or singularly following a specific diet for two weeks.  Sure those things can enhance your effort into being a more healthy you but that’s not what it’s all about.  Living a healthy life is waking up everyday feeling grateful for all of your blessings.  It’s putting in the work even when the last cell in your body has no motivation.  It’s caring about what you eat and how you care for body.  It’s bettering you, for you, not anyone else.  It’s feeling content with where you’re at in life.  It’s doing what feels right no matter what.  It’s respecting yourself more than anyone else and making your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health your number one priority.  THAT’S what living a healthy lifestyle is.

I’m not saying it’s easy, I’m not saying it’s picture perfect.  But it’s the truth.  It’s not a trend, it’s a constant work in progress.  But living that lifestyle is better than any trend you could ever follow.

As always, stay fit, stay healthy, stay beautiful, Warhawks!

Talk soon,

Ashley