Issue #87 ·
The Scenic Route to Health: Why Slow Progress Lasts
🚂 What would it take to enjoy the health journey, the future of health, what religious rule can teach us about time management
Hello friends,
Health hacks.
Quick tips.
Fitness insights.
Every week (or day), there's a new trick or trend promising to transform your health routine.
While these can be helpful, a well-thought-out, comprehensive strategy brings lasting health improvements.
Instead of chasing every new fad, let's explore why taking a step back and considering the long-term picture is essential for your health journey.
This week in building health 👇
Why you should take time to think long term
When I first read about fiber’s importance for digestive health; I rushed to get a powdered fiber supplement.
At first, it seemed great. I was achieving my daily fiber goals without changing my eating habits.
Over time, I noticed some downsides.
The supplement was expensive, adding a significant cost to my monthly budget. More importantly, sometimes it left me feeling bloated and uncomfortable.
After a few months, I realized something.
The supplement wasn't bad, but it was a temporary fix. I was treating the symptom - low fiber intake - instead of the root cause: my poor eating habits.
This experience was an eye-opener.
I realized I should have focused on developing better habits around eating vegetables and fruits instead of relying on a quick fix.
Yes, it would have required more effort and been slower initially, but it led to a more sustainable, enjoyable, and cost-effective approach to my health long-term.
After my experience with the fiber supplement, I realized how easy it is to focus on quick fixes instead of long-term solutions. This tendency isn't just about health. It's a common human trait that affects many aspects of our lives, including our perception of time.
It's easier to see the present, and the future seems distant.
Time feels different for everyone, and our perception of it can impact our decisions and behaviors.
When driving, accelerating from 60 to 70 mph saves more time than speeding up from 80 to 90 mph. Yet, we instinctively feel that faster is better.
This principle applies to our health and fitness journey.
We often seek immediate results, overlooking the value of slower, sustainable approaches.
What does “The Scenic Route” for health look like?
Imagine you’re on a local train, not the high-speed express, that meanders through the countryside.
As you gaze out the window, rolling hills and quaint villages unfold before your eyes.
There's no rush. Just the journey's rhythm and the promise of arrival.
This slower pace isn't just relaxing; it's deeply satisfying.
You have time to absorb the details, appreciate the changing landscape, and converse with fellow travelers.
The destination remains the same, but the journey becomes an experience.
Is there a scenic route for health?
I submit that there are 3 elements:
You’ll reach your destination.
You enjoy the process.
There are stops and stations along the way.
Why you should know your destination
Just as a train journey has a clear destination, your health journey should have a defined endpoint.
Without a clear goal, it's easy to get lost in health trends and quick fixes. Knowing your destination provides purpose and direction, helping you stay focused on what matters for your long-term well-being.
With a clear destination, you can better evaluate which stops are worth your time and energy.
This clarity helps you discern between fleeting health fads and sustainable practices that align with your goals.
Having a destination in mind doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey. It enhances your experience by giving context to your efforts.
How to Build Health Without Sacrificing Enjoyment
Identify activities that contribute to your health goals and bring you joy, like trying new nutritious recipes, exploring movement forms, or finding relaxation techniques.
The key is to make these activities a regular part of your routine, turning them into habits you look forward to.
Sustainable health practices shouldn't feel like punishment.
If you dread your workouts or feel restricted by your diet, it's time to reassess and find alternatives that align with your preferences and lifestyle.
The power of a checkpoint along the way
Checkpoints break your journey into smaller, achievable segments. Instead of focusing solely on a distant end goal, you can celebrate progress at each stage.
This approach provides regular motivation and helps maintain momentum.
Checkpoints offer opportunities for reflection and adjustment.
You can assess what's working well and what needs tweaking, ensuring your health strategy remains effective and enjoyable.
If your goal is to improve fitness, checkpoints could include running your first 5K, mastering a challenging yoga pose, or achieving a personal best in weightlifting.
Each milestone contributes to your larger goal while providing immediate satisfaction.
Why Embrace Slowness in Your Health Journey
When we rush towards our health goals, we miss valuable lessons. We achieve quick results, but they're often temporary.
Slowing down lets usunderstand our bodies, motivations, and what works best for us.
This slower approach allows for deeper integration of healthy habits into our daily lives.
Instead of drastic changes that are hard to maintain, we make small, consistent improvements that compound over time. Each "stop" on the train journey is an opportunity to reflect, adjust, and grow.
Embracing slowness reduces stress and pressure, making the journey more enjoyable.
You're not constantly chasing the next big thing or feeling guilty about not seeing immediate results.
Instead, you're building a relationship with your health, learning to listen to your body, and making informed decisions.
My favorite health things for the week
// one
A Medieval Blueprint for Modern Time Management
17 minutes | Jonny Thomson
This one caught my eye with my Theology and Philosophy background.
The article explores the "Rule of Saint Benedict," a 6th-century doctrine emphasizing moderation, work, and prayer.
One aspect of the Rule that resonated with me was dedicating specific time blocks to work before moving on to other tasks. In our always-on, multitasking world, we're overwhelmed by endless responsibilities. What if we adopted this 'monk' mindset?
Focusing on one task for a set period and then transitioning to the next, yield a more balanced and productive daily life. This structured yet flexible method ishelp remote workers juggling multiple priorities.
Imagine setting aside focused blocks for deep work, followed by rest or lighter tasks. It's a simple mindset shift, but it could significantly improve productivity and well-being. There is wisdom in these ancient practices for our modern challenges.
// two
The Future of the $1.5 Trillion Wellness Market
23 minutes | Shaun Callaghan
The wellness landscape is rapidly expanding. It is moving beyond traditional focuses like fitness and nutrition to encompass a holistic view of physical and mental health.
A recent survey of 7,500 consumers across six countries highlights this shift.
The findings reveal emerging trends reshaping the wellness industry:
A surge in demand for natural products
The rise of digital wellness solutions
An increasing interest in personalized health approaches.
See how companies are responding to evolving consumer needs, providing new tools and strategies for those committed to self-improvement.
// three
How Walking Helps with Lower Back Pain
13 minutes | The Lancet
This study offers a practical solution, given the prevalence of recurrent back pain among remote workers who sit for long hours.
It's refreshing to see research that highlights the power of a basic activity we can all engage in, without relying on expensive equipment or complex treatments.
Have a Healthy Weekend