Be Well
“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”
– John F. Kennedy, 35th President
We all know that this is the time of year (a normal year, at least!) when we start thinking about those “resolutions” for the new year. I don’t know about you, but I just want to see the new year ring in with a successful vaccine and help for those individuals who have lost family members, their employment, and those who have suffered from COVID and have recovered with lingering effects. THAT is what I am hoping for!
Most of us are familiar with the Scottish tune “Auld Lang Syne,” but this year it is more meaningful than ever, in my opinion. The title words literally translate from the Scots language as “old long since” and reference times gone by or “old times.” Wow, 2019 seems far, far away, doesn’t it? What happened to that “cup of kindness” to which the lyrics refer? Hope reigns supreme.
Beyond that, in thinking about my own physical fitness over the past year, I just don’t feel like I have made any positive leaps forward. I turned 70 in March of this soon-to-be-past year and I had some pretty aggressive plans for my fitness regimen this past year. Although, thankfully, I have been healthy overall, I have not stepped up anything in that realm. The fitness classes I have taught for the past few years were canceled for obvious reasons, and my incentive has been nicked by too many movies and too much cooking/eating! Although my usual habits are very healthy, I have found myself “nibbling” some salty snacks and a few other goodies over the course of the year and I have added more cheese than I would usually enjoy! Bring on the veggies! Drag out those workout DVDs! Let’s go!
Physically, I am grateful that I have a dog to walk and our weather has been somewhat cooperative for outdoor walking on most days. I continue to focus on my flexibility and movement and hopefully in 2021 I can ramp that up even more and enjoy the benefits of a more regular workout and less activities which require being zoned in to the television or Zoom meetings. (I have caught up with several movies I had on my “wish list” pre-pandemic!)
My quote, as I am sure you noticed, marries the physical activity with intellectual activity, and I will add here some of my personal observations regarding this. The increased negativity, animosity, and cruelty that are being waged primarily via social media may be partially due to people who are not getting enough physical activity. Perhaps they are spending many hours on their computers and devices, reading disinformation and propaganda which is rife on those platforms. If we remove ourselves from that captivity and focus on fresh air, movement, good eating, and keeping ourselves away from COVID-rampant events, we will benefit, and those who choose to interact with us will benefit as well.
I don’t know, just a suggestion…
Bliadhna Mhath Ur, Sharon
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.