Fit for Life
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” The
pandemic reminded us that our health is our most precious wealth. Hundreds of thousands of
pesos are nothing when someone suffers from such medical conditions. Being fit must be on our
priority list to be able to live life to the fullest. Hence, how can we say that we are fit?
We are fit when we are not easily fatigue when doing vigorous activity. Likewise, we are free
from sickness and can face physically and mentally the ups and down of life. However, what are
the ways for us to be fit?
First, we need to have an active lifestyle. According to the Health Beat which is the official
publication of the Department of Health, Filipinos from all walks of life and age groups
demonstrated a trend toward increasing overweight and obesity which constitutes a major
health risk among Filipinos. This is due to the tendency towards a sedentary lifestyle.
In addition, Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire of the Department of Health
noted that 10-15 minutes of exercise and seven to eight hours of sleep daily can go a long way in
the fight against Covid 19 and many chronic diseases, because it will improve the body’s
resistance to illness and decrease one’s vulnerability.
Nowadays, all things are made to be easy and comfortable. The gadgets and appliances like
cellphones, Smart TV, and washing machines are invented for us to stay in our home while making
us lazy and inactive. Lost are the times when walking was the common mode of transportation
when going to your destination especially when it is not too far away.
Nevertheless, we can still achieve to have an active lifestyle. There are many enjoyable physical
activities that we can choose from. Such activities include jogging, biking, dancing, etc.
Second, fast foods, processed foods, and junk foods are everywhere. These foods contain very
high sugar and sodium content. These components can be very harmful to our body if taken
frequently. Instead, we must choose fruits, vegetables, and fresh meat. It is also advisable to
drink eight glasses of water a day.
Third, we must be positive in our thinking. We need to be optimistic in the challenges that we
face in our life. We can read self help books, pray solemnly, meditate, etc. We must also try to
sleep not later than 10 pm to get our body adequate time to recharge and rest.
Lastly, we must avoid bad habits like smoking cigarettes and drinking alcoholic beverages. Let us
spend more time outdoors in the sun breathing the fresh air with the accompaniment of our
family, friends, and loved ones. There are tons of list for us to become more fit. Just like Zig Ziglar
said, “We must focus on the solution, not on the problem.”
To be fit, we must incorporate it in our daily routine and schedule. In order to be more productive,
happy, and successful in life, we are all in unison, we must be fit for life!