By Radley West
When you think of being healthy, what’s the first image that pops into your head? For many of us, it’s a person sweating it out at the gym, chiseled and determined. While fitness is an excellent piece of the puzzle, a truly healthy life is a much broader and more colorful picture. It’s time to expand our definition of well-being beyond the weights and treadmills.
Think of your body as a high-performance sports car. You wouldn’t just focus on the engine; you’d also need to consider the fuel, the tires, the oil, and even how often you take it in for a tune-up. Your health is the same way, a beautiful orchestration of many different elements working in harmony.
The Power of Zzz’s and H2O
Let’s start with two of the most basic, yet often neglected, pillars of health: sleep and hydration. We live in a society that often glorifies the hustle culture, where pulling an all-nighter is a badge of honor. But your body doesn’t care about your bragging rights. It needs rest to repair, rejuvenate, and reset. Skimping on sleep is like trying to run a marathon wearing flip flops — you’re going to struggle. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to give your body the time it needs to thrive.
And then there’s water. It’s so simple, yet so essential. Your body is more than 60 percent water, and every single cell, tissue, and organ needs it to function. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and a lack of focus. So, next time you feel a slump in the afternoon, reach for a glass of water before you grab that second cup of coffee. Your body will thank you.
Nourishment and a Little R&R
We’ve all heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” And while we can all enjoy a delicious burger from time to time, a diet rich in whole foods — fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains — is the fuel your body needs to run at its best. Think of it as premium gasoline for your sports car. A balanced diet doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be a delicious adventure.
And speaking of adventures, when was the last time you took a real vacation? Not a “workcation” where you’re still answering emails by the pool, but a genuine break. Stepping away from the daily grind and allowing your mind to rest is crucial for your mental and emotional health. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long trip, a change of scenery and a mental reset can do wonders for your overall well-being.
The Gentle Art of Healing
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to reach for a pill to fix every ache and pain. But what if we focused on preventing the issues in the first place? Staying off pharmaceuticals, when possible and under a doctor’s guidance, allows your body to find its own natural balance. This doesn’t mean ignoring medical advice, but rather exploring all options before jumping to medication.
Consider the benefits of chiropractic care. A chiropractor focuses on the health of your spine and nervous system, which acts as the control center for your entire body. By ensuring your spine is properly aligned, he can help your body function more effectively and naturally. Think of it as a crucial tune-up for your nervous system, ensuring that all the signals are being sent and received correctly.
So, the next time you’re thinking about your health, remember that it’s more than just the number on the scale or how many miles you can run. It’s about the quality of your sleep, the hydration of your cells, the food on your plate, the vacations you take, and the gentle care you give to your body. It’s a holistic, light-hearted, and joyful journey to a better you.
Radley West is married to Dr. Andrew West and together they own Anytime Fitness Lake Murray and 33/18 Chiropractic Associates. Radley is a gym owner and personal trainer with more than 20 years of experience helping people achieve non-traditional health goals. She and her team approach fitness by teaching clients to build better habits and create sustainable, feel-good fitness and nutrition routines—no need for intense six-pack aspirations (unless that’s your thing).
