The Overlooked Pillar of Health: Unveiling the Power of Happiness
In the relentless pursuit of health, we often find ourselves on a treadmill of extreme diets, daily gym sessions, or vows to banish sugar forever. However, what if I told you that the key to true well-being goes beyond these well-trodden paths? Join me as I unravel the forgotten pillar of health — happiness — and its profound impact on our holistic well-being.
The Deceptive Allure of Extreme Measures
Extreme diets, rigorous exercise routines, and sugar-free pledges may seem like the golden ticket to health. The reality, however, is that these approaches are not only unsustainable but also address only a fraction of what constitutes true health: nutrition and exercise.
Health as a Symphony of Body, Mind, and Spirit
Our health is a symphony composed of the intricate harmony between our body, mind, and spirit. When these elements are not in sync, our mental and emotional states, quality of life, and even our lifespan are affected. Just as homeostasis ensures balance within a body system, happiness forms the core of our overall well-being.
The Multifaceted Nature of Life
Life, by nature, is multifaceted. Financial success may coexist with dissatisfaction in our diet. Finding love might be paralleled by discontent with our job. While achieving contentment in every aspect can be challenging, identifying the root causes of morning struggles, anxiety triggers, and unfulfilling work can lead to a more harmonious life.
Unveiling Behaviors Reflecting Unhappiness
When unhappiness weighs us down, it manifests in our behaviors. Food might be a coping mechanism to fill a void, or appetite may vanish altogether. Work hours lose their fulfillment, mornings become hurdles, and certain people drain our energy. Recognizing these behaviors is the first step to reclaiming our holistic well-being.
A Personal Odyssey
In my early-mid twenties, I grappled with fluctuating weight, restrictive eating, binge episodes, excessive alcohol consumption, and an overall sense of dissatisfaction. Graduating college in 2012 marked a period of tumultuous change, from a traumatic breakup to navigating an uncertain future.
Initially aspiring to become a news reporter, I stumbled upon my true passion for wellness while working at Lululemon. Despite the initial plans not aligning with acceptance into the NYU Steinhardt Nutrition and Dietetics program, the corporate experiences at Nielsen and Univision enriched my journey. The phrase "trust the universe" took on a profound meaning as I embraced the detours.
The Missing Pieces
Happiness, often overlooked in the pursuit of health, proved to be the missing puzzle piece. Despite maintaining a healthy diet, practicing self-care, and engaging in rigorous exercise, I realized crucial elements were absent. Financial irresponsibility, a sense of unfulfillment, and uncertainty about life's purpose created challenges in my relationship with food and eroded my confidence.
The Unspoken Fundamental of Health
True health is a journey beyond the surface. It involves acknowledging and addressing the multifaceted aspects of our lives. Happiness, as one of the unspoken fundamentals of health, transforms not only our soul but also our overall well-being.
Takeaway:
As we navigate our health journey, let's not overlook the importance of happiness. It's not just about eating brown rice and kale or hitting the gym daily. True health involves aligning all aspects of our lives. Reclaiming my happiness has been transformative for my soul and, consequently, my health. For example, you can follow the strictest diet and exercise routine, but if stuck in an unfulfilling job or a toxic relationship, true health and happiness remain elusive on a deeper level. We need to nourish not just the body but also the mind and spirit.
