I have spent some time in Portugal this week and one of the things I have been reflecting on is my health. For a long time now ‘Health’ has been my no 2 value – but what do I really mean by health?
The World Health Organisation has a good definition “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
I love that word ‘well-being’. This has really helped me shape my definition of health.
I know I have great physical health when I feel strong and flexible and slim. I can do 10 perfect press ups, the 5 Tibetans with grace and I am at my target weight – I feel great in my favourite LBD. I can do all the things I want to do – run 10k, do a cartwheel, climb a mountain, ski off-piste all day long.
For me mental health is about being free of stress or overwhelm. I love my busy and demanding work but sometimes it gets too much. I don’t do my best work when I am stressed and I find it hard to focus on the job in hand. My mental health is good when I wake up in the morning glad to be alive and looking forward to the challenges of the day – that ‘bring it on’ feeling….
And social health – or as I prefer ‘environmental health’ is good when my physical surroundings are beautiful. There is no clutter. I have invested in nice things but not frittered money on junk! I am spending my time with people who support me and who I want to serve. I am not spending time with those who pull me down.
If these three things feel right and in balance – then I am healthy!
