While there’s no perfect way to assess your health without consulting your doctor, there are some simple indicators it might be time to start taking better care of yourself. If you identify with any of these five signs, it might be time for some changes.
Social isolation and lack of confidence
If you often find yourself avoiding social situations, it might be time to address the underlining reasons why. Fearing public judgement is a big reason people withdraw socially from friends. Feeling like your clothes are fitting a little more snuggly, or going up a dress size may cause you to fear comments about how you’ve gained weight. Or, maybe you just don’t feel as confident as you would like in your favourite outfit anymore. If you have trouble painting your toenails, or tying your shoe laces, these might be signs your weight has crept up on you.
Similarly, some may avoid going to the beach, sitting next to people on public transport, or flying to avoid asking for seat extenders. Ignoring these small things will continue to dent your confidence, keeping you from the lifestyle and activities you enjoy.
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Yesterday you said today
Let’s be honest, time really does fly. Even if you’re apt at planning, time disappears when you’re busy working, taking care of the family, as well as finishing a never ending to-do list. If you aren’t paying attention to the way your body feels, weight and unhealthy habits can creep up on you.
Are you the person who says they’ll start exercising and eating right, tomorrow? Do you promise to get started next month, or in the New Year, until another year has passed?
Accountability is essential for healthy, long term health and weight loss changes. If you never seem to get started, it could be time to take the plunge and ask for professional help.
Peer health scares
Having a friend or work colleague suffer a major health condition is one of the most common motivators for our people to seek our help. If you’ve recently had a friend or work colleague suffer from a major health scare, don’t wait until it’s too late for you. Similarly, a family history of heart conditions, diabetes or cancer is another major reason to seek regular health checks.
Call and schedule the check-up you’ve been putting off, it will take away the worry in the back of your mind and might be the push you need to get started once you have a full picture of your health.
The body has it
Weight has a big impact on your health. If you get puffed from one flight of stairs, or avoid them altogether, it might be time for a check-up. When you get breathless easily, it’s often a sign your lungs and heart aren’t getting the cardiovascular workout they need. Similarly, light-headedness is a sign of blood pressure concerns.
Do you get heart palpitations, or feel like you’re constantly fatigued? Do your joints ache, or has snoring become a problem? These are the little things people ignore on a daily basis. However, the way our bodies feel, more than anything else, tell the whole truth about our health.
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Gut feeling
If you’re really honest with yourself, how do you feel deep down? Often, people tell themselves they’re fine, or the way their body feels is “normal”. Many people don’t know just how good their body can feel at a healthy weight.
You probably already have the answer. When you really look deep down inside, do you know it’s time for change? Are you just scared to get started, or worried about how hard change will be? What you have to ask yourself, is why stay where you are? Isn’t it time you rediscover you and think about what you could gain from a healthier lifestyle?
The first step to a healthier, happier you might not be as scary as you think. Consider seeking the help of a qualified professional, who can help address any underlying reasons you’ve put off making changes until now. There’s no better time to make healthy your new habit.
This article first appeared on Balance By Deborah Hutton.
