We’ve talked about how technology can challenge us and what backup measures we should have in place. But have you ever considered the incredible combination of functions and processes our bodies perform every day just to keep us functioning? A loose connection here, a weak signal there, and we’re not operating at full capacity.
There are things we can do regularly to strengthen those signals, back up those functions, and maximize our functioning. These habits also make it easier to cope when things go wrong.
It’s like working out at the gym. Even if we get into a slump, and we’re not going as often (or at all), we don’t lose all the strength and other health benefits we’ve gained. They’re still working for us.
And like we can have a list of backup plans and built-in redundancies for when technology fails us, we can have similar strategies for our health. Here are just a few:
Stop so you can start again sooner
I must admit there have been times when I’ve been sick with a cold, but because I can teach from home on Zoom, I did. When I really should have been in bed. I wasn’t doing myself any favors. And I also wasn’t doing my students any favors because I wasn’t at my best.
Let’s give ourselves permission to stop and rest when we first start feeling unwell, so we can come back stronger and give our all.
Lean on your team
Just like you need backup devices and places with Wi-Fi access, you also need people who can back you up. You may have people who actually work with you in your business, or colleagues who can support you in other ways.
We also need people to keep us honest about when we’re pushing ourselves too hard and are willing to step in even before we ask.
Fuel yourself
Fitness professional and author Aesha Tahir is a frequent guest speaker in our coaching classes. Recently, she spoke to us about well-being and raised the point that we should all drink lots of water. And not to wait until you’re thirsty because by the time you get that signal, you’re probably on the road to dehydration.
So, build in the habit of drinking regularly. Choose a fun, reusable water bottle. Find some tasty herbal teas. Just drink regularly. Similarly, she said, don’t wait until you’re hungry to eat. Try grazing throughout the day rather than sitting down to three full meals, or plan smaller snacks between meals.
So it’s not about setting ourselves up to never have to miss work; it’s about putting in the effort to build our strength and resiliency. That way, when we do need to take time off to heal, our bodies are better equipped to do that.
What’s Your Backup Plan?