Keep it Simple

Habits are most difficult to change. It took me a lot of time to switch from what I liked to eat and whenever I wanted to eat, to beginning to eat healthily and at determined time. Luckily, the change did not come as a consequence of a health problem, but rather as a need to rid myself of an unhealthy way of life, fatigue, dissatisfaction with my physical appearance, and to have more energy. I returned to the start and focused on the following three areas:

1. Diet
2. Exercise
3. Rest

Diet

I read and listened to a lot of different dieting regime theories. My approach was, as the ancient Serbs would put it: ‘Keep it simple!’ So, I focused on things which gave me value instead of temporary pleasure. In accordance with my current habits and lifestyle, I ran my decisions through a ‘reality filter’ and arrived at an ‘incredible’ formula: ‘I eat at the same time every day!’

I take three meals: breakfast when I get up, lunch between 12 and 13h, and dinner. I eat as much as I need, I do not overdo it, and I am happy because of the fact that my body does not crave for snacks, sweets, and eating between meals. Listening to my body, I made another step forward in my diet. I swapped meat for fish and seafood.

My body and my needs were such that this decision improved my quality of life and increased the energy levels in my body. However, I would advise everyone to consult their doctor or nutritionist before taking such a decision.

Exercise

Regular exercise is one of the most efficient ways of improving our health. Exercise helps us strengthen our muscles and bones, improve our cardiovascular system, and accelerate our metabolism. In addition, it also helps us relieve stress, improve our mood, and increase our overall energy levels.

There is no need to take up intensive exercise programmes to benefit from physical exercise. I did not take a complicated approach either. Simple activities, such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming 15 to 30 minutes a day, several times a week, can help us stay fit and healthy. They helped me.

Rest

A change comparable to those of diet and exercise occurred to me in the area of sleeping and rest. Sleep was probably the first thing I would sacrifice throughout my life. It is not like that anymore. Now I sleep for at least seven hours. I have noticed that I do not feel the same if I sleep from 3 to 9 in the morning (even if under any twisted circumstances my job would allow for that) or from 11 in the evening to 5 o’clock in the morning. The feeling of freshness in the latter case is markedly better and so is my energy throughout a day.

I would warmly recommend everyone who wishes to improve their lives to pay attention to their everyday habits. By initiating small changes and by gradually introducing healthier options, we make really huge leaps… It’s not complicated, or at least I did not find it complicated. It is important to listen to your body, your needs, and to stick to the ‘Keep it simple!’ formula.

Author: Nemanja Knežević, Regional Head of Compensations, Benefits, and HR Services of Hemofarm Group

Source: Hemofarm Foundation - Keep it Simple (fondacijahemofarm.org.rs)