If someone were to ask you what your most important tool was, what would be the first thing to come to mind? Your laptop? Your vehicle? Maybe even your cell phone? While each of these things is extremely useful and serves a much needed purpose in most of our lives, what if I told you that our most valuable tool is our body? The question may at first seem odd. However, after thinking about it, you’ll realize that what our bodies are capable of surpasses many of our ideas and expectations.
Time and time again we see evidence of this through amazing feats of strength and agility. We’ve met bodybuilders who are also grandmothers and grandfathers. On television we marvel at athletes whose athletic abilities exceed the norm. It is our one and only greatest natural tool. It is our responsibility to keep it sharp inside and out, as we use it to help us excel.
HOW WE MOVE OUR BODY
One of the top ways to keep our body in tune is to move as often as possible. Our bodies were made to be active and in motion. It’s what helps to keep us functioning efficiently. Finding activities that mimic normal activities of daily life is ideal. Having access to a gym and advanced equipment is great, but it is not our only option for keeping our bodies physically fit. Regular walks, jogs, bike rides, and dancing are also great options. They keep your heart and lungs strong, your muscles trained, and the oxygen flowing throughout your body. For those who prefer to exercise in the comfort of their home, bodyweight exercises can be combined to formulate creative exercise routines. Focusing on some sort of movement consistently is what helps to keeps us moving through life with ease.
WHAT WE EAT FOR OUR BODY
As with any other valuable tool requiring the best maintenance and care, it is imperative that we pay special attention to the foods we eat and the nutrients our body needs. This is the fuel that keeps us going, so it’s only right that it always come from quality sources. As women, our bodies undergo unique changes that require us to receive higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. Some examples include:
- Iron to help maintain healthy energy levels
- Calcium to reduce our risk of osteoporosis
- Vitamin E to manage our levels of estrogen
- Folate to aid in healthy pregnancies and proper fetal development
- Vitamin D to assist with nutrient absorption and weight loss efforts dealing with menopause
Often, common complaints dealing with our health can be attributed to a diet that doesn’t adequately sustain our needs. Small changes can work wonders and yield amazing results for the way we look, feel, and function.
WHEN WE SELF-CARE
And what may be the most significant piece of this puzzle is ensuring that proper attention and care is given to our mind. The way we think, handle stress, and view ourselves plays a huge role in our body’s ability to run effectively. Chronic stress, lack of sleep, and high levels of anxiety can lead to imbalances in the body. This can include decreased immune system functioning, temporary loss of short term memory, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease.
Our mindset and attitude is what allows us to effectively put our life happenings in order. When nurtured they allow us to be able to take care of what it is important—with health being at the top of that list. No matter how much physical activity we engage in or how health conscious we are when it comes to food, it’s pointless if stress is eating at us from within.
And what may be the most significant piece of this puzzle is ensuring that proper attention and care is given to our mind. The way we think, handle stress, and view ourselves plays a huge role in our body’s ability to run effectively.
My marathon-running, smoothie and salad-making mother always says that her body is a fine-tuned machine. Although it’s often said from a humorous place, she means it 100%, I now fully understand its meaning. To be at our best, we should always ensure that we are maintaining our body, health, and spirit. A worn down body lacking movement and proper nutrition will become one that is afflicted with injury, infection, disease, and chronic flare-ups. An over-stressed and overworked mind will become one that lacks joy, optimism and peace. Ultimately, life will become one raided with unnecessary limitations—both physically and mentally—suitable no one’s liking. Let’s all take the time to assess where we need a tune-up so that we can continue to bring our A-game each and every day.
Rashida A. Marshall is the creator of AFIYA Magazine, a digital health and lifestyle publication for Black women. This creative venture grew out of her love for learning, teaching, and sharing valuable wellness information to help improve the quality of life. Rashida is also a Pilates and dance instructor specializing in women’s health.