We have a finite amount of time and energy each day that we live. How we spend that time and energy, therefore, is something worth devoting some attention. Wouldn’t it make sense to apply as much of that time and energy to things that you have some chance of positively affecting?
In life, there are so many risk factors. We worry and ponder on anything and everything that could impact our lives, especially those things that could bring us harm. And that makes sense, as we have to be wired that way, as it has helped perpetuate us as a species for so many years.
But here’s the thing… much of what we fret over, get anxious about, and get consumed by, is out of our control. This makes the time and energy we expend on such things quite a waste.
Let’s take genes, for example. With all the hype around gene mapping, genetic testing, and learning about the genetic hand we’ve been dealt, most of the genes that you have are unalterable. So, knowing about these genes may simply bring you stress, since you can’t change your genes.
I heard someone use the words modifiable risk factors the other day, and it got me thinking. When worrying about all the potential negatives that put our health and life at risk, why not spend most of that time and energy on the modifiable factors? With some factors being set and unchangeable, and others having the potential of being changed, our time and energy needs to be put on those that are modifiable.
So, if you have bad genes, you have bad genes. Oh well. It’s a bummer, but it is what it is. Those are your genes. On the other hand, the lifestyle choices that you make are well within your control. The food you eat, how much you move your body, the amount and quality of sleep you get, the relationships you engage in, and how you manage your stress are all modifiable. You have a decent amount of control over these things, therefore, this is where you should put your time and energy.
And the impact these modifiable factors have on your health and life are incredible. These are the things that have the MOST impact on how you feel and function every day. And what most people do not know is that these lifestyle factors impact what genes are expressed and what genes are turned off. By modifying your lifestyle choices, you modify your gene expression. Making better, healthier lifestyle choices is so powerful, and is completely within your control. It makes sense to focus on these, the things that you have some control over.
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator…ordering broccoli instead of French fries…getting eight hours of sleep instead of four…lifting weights…taking nutritional supplements…doing breathwork, and meditating. There are plenty of things within your control that will absolutely impact your health positively.
There are things we can control… and there are things we cannot. It makes great sense to focus on the things we can. There are a lot of things working against us these days. It is easy to be lazy, eat junk, sit around, and engage in dangerous behaviors. Let’s spend more time tweaking the factors that are modifiable. If you do that, you will see an improvement in your health, your relationships, your level of happiness, and your life overall.
