Helen Schifter has a unique understanding of the value of health and wellness based on her diverse background of experiences in a plethora of different fields. Coming from NYC, she’s seen firsthand the fixation many have on all the wrong things. Indeed there has been a lack of attention and care devoted to the subject that has the most to do with our physical well-being. Many would find this ironic. Wouldn’t you think that NYC residents who are typically highly educated and come from such backgrounds would take such subjects seriously – as they should be? It’s indeed a question worthwhile asking oneself.
According to Helen Schifter, there indeed is a need to stress this message not only in the metropolitan areas around the country, but also in rural areas as well – on a national scale. The unfortunate reality is that not nearly enough people understand the importance of these issues that correlate directly, and have a direct impact on the health and well-being of people nationwide. We need to treat these matters with greater care, compassion and attention.
The strange thing is that one would indeed consider that one’s well-being would rank as high up in one’s priority lists as possible. But that isn’t the case. Wouldn’t you think someone would care deeply about the factors that are having a direct effect on the length of their lives? So let’s discuss why this phenomenon has developed over time.
Indeed society and our culture has fostered a fixation on “success.” Although there are varying definitions of success depending on who one asks, it’s clear that professional success in the corporate world is something many stride for. And certainly, that’s not something to frown down upon. It’s a virtuous objective for one to have. But it’s equally important for there to be an understanding of the value of health and wellness; and an eagerness to strive to lead the healthiest lifestyle possible.
So let’s analyze different ways people can ensure they are leading a lifestyle that prizes health and wellness as seriously as humanly possible.
- Maintaining a healthy diet: This is an aspect that many influencers in our culture tend to emphasize, even though what they don’t tell you, is that it makes-up only a small fraction of what your overall health is like. Having said that; it’s of vital importance. Although it may sound cliche, the phrase “you are what you eat” is as true as it sounds. Ensure that you are eating healthy – that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of foods you’re eating or consuming. It simply means that you can have the liberty of diversifying one’s cuisine according and consistent to one’s tastes, while ensuring a healthy amount of calories, not too much cholesterol, and an adequate amount of carbohydrates are consumed. Of course, proteins matter as well. In fact, they matter, greatly.
- A Fitness Regimen That is Consistent With One’s Priorities and Desires: The value of a work-out isn’t what society makes it out to be. The fitness “gurus” and magazines will tell you what matters the most is how many reps you are doing; and what a significant sweat you’re breaking out, while in the gym. But this just isn’t the case. What does matter instead, is the consistency with which you workout. Are you going in regularly; or are you only going in on a monthly basis. You need to develop a stable and consistent workout that you can have as a source of pride, and one that keeps you in shape.
- Mental Health is paramount: Ultimately, mental health isn’t discussed as frequently as it should be. Its importance has a DIRECT effect on one’s physical health. For too long seeking out therapeutic services – whether a psychologist or psychiatrist was viewed as taboo. Fortunately, our culture has changed that in some ways. But not sufficiently enough. We also should be doing more in the area of ensuring that young people are educated about both the value of seeking mental health counseling when needed; but also the importance of caring about one’s mental health; and the consequences neglected it , can have. These are serious matters that deserve all of our attention.
Helen Schifter is a health and wellness expert with a background in the study of the Japanese tea ceremony. Like many New Yorkers, she would like to see a revitalization of the importance of health and wellness. Only then, can we all feel good about ourselves. Out of selflessness and generosity of spirit, we need to ensure that there is a broad awakening of the value of these matters; and promotion of them – especially to our country’s youth. We owe it to them. It’s the least we can do.