Day 3 ❍ Prioritizing Healthspan: Small Steps for Big Changes
Lying in a cold hospital bed, her body had gone into septic shock. Founder of InsightLA and beloved Dharma teacher, Trudy Goodman shared her close call with death during her recent trip to teach in Costa Rica. She knew she was dying and she had this moment where she thought “I’m 78. I’ve lived a good life.” Then she said “I looked into the mouth of death and was told to stay alive and treasure the gift of consciousness, of awareness.” Thankfully, she made it through and with many blessings, Trudy is healing now.
Prioritizing healthspan—the period of life spent in good health—can be more valuable than just focusing on lifespan. And having a sincere sense that we value our life is an act of awakening in and of itself. It's easy to say we want to be healthy, but often our focus shifts. We might find ourselves, as if coming to from a black out, with an empty pint of ice cream next to our computer as we sit in wonder: Again?
Today we will take an honest look at our behavior patterns and assess: what small, consistent habits can you actually incorporate into your life? Consider this: if you have daily tolerations such as a sugar habit three times a day, alcohol intake several times a week, or smoking/vaping, these will obviously affect your health. Isolation, excessive alcohol use, nicotine, poor sleep habits, and eating excessive processed foods all have consequences.
Think about the small habit steps you might shift in these areas. Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in your healthspan.
Let’s focus on making sustainable changes together.
For more inspiration, stay tuned tomorrow for our Pro Tips for Sustaining Healthy Habits.
JOURNAL
What daily habits do you currently have that positively impact your healthspan?
What new habit would you like to incorporate to improve your physical well-being?
What small changes have you made recently that have had a significant impact on your overall health?
What barriers do you encounter when trying to establish a consistent health routine?
What makes it important for you to establish these healthy lifestyle habits at this point in your life?
MINDFUL MEDITITATION
Allow yourself some time to sit with your ideal (yet realistic) vision for your healthy lifespan. This can include physical (yoga/exercise/food), lifestyle (sleep/community/relationships), as well as your mental health and spiritual connection.
I love you, keep going! Tomorrow is obviously the most important class to come to, y’all. See you at 9am for a 45-mintue flow!
RECIPE INSPO
Lentil & Beet Salad with Pine Nuts
Lentils and beets are both heart healthy choices for managing blood pressure and cholesterol. This salad is rich in fibre, protein, and potassium. Add some avocado and you will have a salad that satisfies you with energy and is a party in your mouth.