Be Well
“You might as well like yourself. Just think about all the time you’re going to have to spend with you. And if you don’t think too much of yourself, how do you expect others to?”
— Jerry Lewis as Prof. Kelp, “The Nutty Professor” 1963
I can’t say that I have always been a huge Jerry Lewis fan, but noted several insightful moments in the above named movie that really hit home. Although the movie was marketed as a comedy (and granted there are some funny moments!) it says so much more about both self-acceptance and society’s expectations of individuals.
I could also definitely go off on a political reverie here however will spare my readers that! Essentially what I wish to convey in this article is how many of us tie our self-perception to the perceptions and ideals of others – be that friends, family, or celebrity. Both men and women are prone to doing this but my experience is that women are more likely to have these issues of non-acceptance as it appears to their physical attributes or fitness levels.
In working with clients as a fitness instructor and nutrition/wellness consultant I have learned that most women seem to have an “ideal” that they have formulated over the years and often feel “less than” if they have not achieved that. And, frankly, I see this played out as I observe my friends, family, and random strangers I see in the grocery store. It can happen at every age level but more so as we enter our middle years and beyond that we “give up” and don’t feel it is helpful or important to work on our fitness level, our healthy eating plan (not a DIET!) and our mode of dress. When we give up on self-improvement the results are apparent to others, yes, but most importantly to ourselves and as the quote above indicates – think of all the time you get to spend with you! How we present ourselves in public reflects our own view of how we see ourselves. And how we think is likely to be reflected in how we feel, how we look, and most importantly our emotional and physical health. Age is not a factor; self-improvement is not just for the young!
Using myself as an example, as a teenager and young adult I was very active and within my prescribed weight for my height. Moving forward, maintenance becomes important! Flexibility for coordination and balance, weight training for toned muscles and aerobic conditioning for heart and lungs are all needed on a regular basis, particularly as we age. While I have always been a vegetarian, as a young person I was not careful about balancing my eating for nutritional purposes and have always enjoyed dairy products and sweets. Although I do still sometimes enjoy those latter items, I do so only in moderation and work to make sure I am balancing with protein and complex carbohydrates as well as vitamin supplementation. Now – the last point of the top three issues, i.e., fitness, eating plan and mode of dress, please hear me out. Men and women PLEASE do not wear your pajamas in public! Sigh. Most often the way we present ourselves by our chosen mode of apparel sends a message to others and most importantly to us regarding the way we perceive ourselves. There are ways to present ourselves – dressed – which fit whatever our style may be: casual, professional, trendy, etc. that do not include sleepwear as streetwear. Clean, fitted, stylish and appropriate attire does not mean expensive wear. There are options for any budget.
I can guarantee that if you truly want to be the best YOU, to feel good, be healthy and look great, just move your body finding some activity that you enjoy that will also give you the rewards you deserve. Enjoy your occasional treats but provide your body with the energy and nutrition it deserves. And, finally, leave the loungewear at home and present yourself looking your best. You won’t regret it!
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.