OK, first off, my apologies for that deliberately clickbaity headline. But, in today’s article I will discuss a way you can improve both your mental and physical health. When you improve both of those there’s a very good chance you will live a longer and happier life.
The secret is simple; knowing your ‘why’.
Your “why” is the meaning and purpose behind everything you do.
Famous life coaches like Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi often speak of living a “purposeful life” of a “life of intention”.
Different terms but they amount to the same basic advice.
Don’t just drift along, day to day, letting life happen to, or around, you.
Make a decision about what you want your life to be.
Have a clear vision about your ultimate life goals, and then wake up every day knowing what you need to do to make those goals real.
Your vision of the future is your “why”.
Once you know your “why” it should be at the heart of every choice you make.
Your “why” is the purpose that underlies all that you do.
When you know your “why” you can build a fulfilling career and achieve your goals in your personal life.
Getting in touch with this offers a wide range of benefits, including improvements to your health.
With a healthier life, you may even enjoy a longer life.
A Life with Meaning
Understanding your ‘why’ gives your life meaning.
Why do you get out of bed in the morning?
There has to be something that drives us to get through our days.
Do you have a clear idea of what this is?
The time you spend identifying and clarifying your ‘why’ can make you feel more positive about your daily life.
Reduce Your Stress
Various studies show that living with purpose reduces the risk of various health problems and a major one is stress.
People who know their “why” can more easily maintain a mental balance and cope with stressors whenever they occur.
When a stressful decision arises, just give it the Why test.
Unless a decision choice moves closer to achieving your “why”, it is the wrong wrong choice for you.
With your “why” in hand, you can reduce the risk of stress-related health problems such as heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Hope for the Future
Your “why” keeps you looking ahead, and everyone needs this.
Without hope for the future, you can easily get mired in today’s troubles and lose sight of your goal.
Studies have shown that having a future to look forward to is a major factor in living a healthy life.
This is also helped by having some higher purpose to live for other than yourself.
Better Mental Health
Just like physical health, your “why” improves your mental health.
Studies show that people with a purpose have better overall mental health and suffer less from depression and anxiety.
This relates to other health issues such as insomnia and eating disorders.
A good mental balance helps you maintain moderation and healthy habits.
Live a Longer Life
Good physical and mental health is a key ingredient to a long lifespan.
There are many causes of longevity, including diet and genetics.
But in populations where people live longest, it’s been found that having a purpose and things to look forward to are major factors.
Maintaining overall health also helps you to avoid physical ailments that can result in premature death.
Knowing your “why” could literally save your life.
Speed Up Recovery
Living with purpose plays a huge role in recovering from illnesses and injuries.
Rehabilitation and recovery are not easy.
There’s great adversity along the way and not everyone makes it.
If you’re in touch with why you do what you do, this can help you recover quicker and more completely.
Figure Out Your ‘Why’ Today
The sooner you figure out your “why”, the sooner you can start establishing positive, healthy habits.
Once you adopt those new habits you will begin to see real results in your general health.
Knowing your “why” starts with asking yourself some key questions and uncovering the hidden reason for all that you do.
Then clarifying this reason and learning how to use it in every aspect of your life.
Next time I will tell you about the five most important, positive, healthy habits adopted by successful people who know their “why”.
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