The picture below is what I’m looking at on a typical morning beginning at about 6:00 o’clock. I usually wake up around 5:00 a.m., and I have a regular routine. Then, by 6:00 a.m., I am on the treadmill. I usually do this 3, 4, 5, sometimes 7 days a week. I like to put in my 3 miles before I do anything else for the day because this helps me to re-energize. You can see that I'm just starting my walk below.
During the winter months, I am staring at this treadmill. During the summer months, I am looking at a sidewalk. I walk the same route every day because I know that route is exactly three miles. This is what I put my body through physically, but the question is: what are you doing, what am I doing, as far as mental exercise every day?
I understand that it is very difficult when you have children at home to focus on physical and mental fitness. You’re just trying to run your kids from one place to another. You’re trying to make certain that you get them up and out the door. You have had a successful day if you can do that and still get to work on time, but I still want those individuals to be thinking about their physical and mental well-being. Especially when your children have left home and now you’ve got a little bit more flexibility to engage yourself mentally and physically. Every morning, I can say I’m looking at the treadmill during the winter or I’m looking at the sidewalk during the summer. Yes, I actually am looking at the sidewalk; I want to make certain that I don’t trip and fall, but I enjoy being engaged physically.
What are you doing mentally and physically each day? If you’re simply going to work or going through the motions of your normal day, are you really growing? Are you really becoming a better person? Are you really becoming the person that you want to be in your future? You may not wish to do what I do, but here’s a suggestion. When I’m on the treadmill or out for that early morning walk, I am also listening to a video. I am not talking about Netflix or Prime movies. I’m talking about things like Ted Talks, educational videos on YouTube, or podcasts that will stretch my brain power and get me thinking beyond what I already know. I try to stay away from the news because that usually just rehashes the same things day after day. Oh, by the way, have you ever noticed how negative the news is? Is that what you really want to put into your brain to feel energized and refreshed? Garbage in… garbage out, right? Look for something that has a more positive vibe.
So, while I’m walking, I’m plugged into a good podcast or positive and inspirational music. Good stuff in…good stuff out. Working on your physical health is just as important as your mental health. This is the only body that you’re ever going to have your entire life. Make sure that you keep it as healthy as possible. This is the only brain that you are ever going to have. Make sure that it is growing as much as possible. Your mind and body are what will take you through your 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, etc.
You’ve probably heard me say this before about tomatoes. If you are green, it means you’re growing. If you are ripe, then all you have to look forward to is rotting. Put the right stuff into your body, both physically and mentally, every day so that your body can stay green and growing.
