This past season has been nothing short of chaotic for me, both physically and emotionally. Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through Florida where I live, leaving so much loss and devastation in their wake. While the first hurricane brought all of the water that flooded my garage and ruined our cars and so many personal memories, the second hurricane just days later brough the wind which knocked down trees, power lines, and took all of the "stuff" we had to get rid of due to the water and threw it everywhere.
When you think about a hurricane, it's almost the perfect analogy for life. You can be going about life, doing your own thing, but off in the distance, a storm is brewing. Sometimes we know about it, sometimes we are surprised by it, but either way - we have to go through it. And when it hits, you can't determine what it will look like until it's over. Sometimes it can be chaotic until you get in the eye of the storm and it's calm, then it can turn chaotic again right before it's over. Sometimes, we're on the outskirts of the storm and we get flooded with chaos and overwhelm, and then it calms.
Along with losing many of my personal belongings and seeing the devastation that has faced my community, I was faced with a decision: Do I let these storms define me, or do I shift my focus and control the things I can control?
When life throws chaos at us—whether it’s natural disasters, personal struggles, or health challenges—it’s crucial to focus on what we can control. In times like these, I prioritize my health, nutrition, fitness, and mindset. These are the pillars that keep me strong and grounded to tackle anything else life may throw at me.
This month, the word that guides me is Shift. I’m choosing to focus on my physical and mental well-being, my relationships, and my work, while letting go of the things I cannot change. If you've been around here a while, you know I call this CTC: Controlling the Controllables. This idea of CTC is central to staying resilient and focused during tough times. Whether you’re recovering from a personal crisis or simply trying to stay on track in your health and fitness journey, you can learn to control what you can—starting with your head, heart, and body.
In this post, I’ll share strategies for how you can shift your focus to prioritize your health, stay consistent with your fitness and nutrition, and build resilience to weather any storm life throws your way.
Prioritizing Health in the Midst of Life's Chaos
When life feels like it’s spinning out of control, it’s easy to let your health slip down the priority list. But in reality, this is when your well-being should take center stage. Focusing on proper nutrition, regular exercise, and a healthy mindset not only helps you feel better physically but also strengthens your ability to handle stress and adversity.
Here’s how I’ve been managing my health and how you can make a shift in your own life:
1. Controlling Your Nutrition: Fueling Your Body the Right Way
One of the biggest things we can control during times of uncertainty is what we put into our bodies. Healthy eating is essential for maintaining energy, boosting your immune system, and managing stress. When life is chaotic, it can be tempting to reach for processed foods or comfort food, but this is the time when you need nutrient-dense foods the most.
To stay on track with your nutrition, focus on:
Whole foods: Stick to real, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function at its best.
Meal planning: Plan your meals in advance to avoid unhealthy choices when you're stressed. Preparing balanced meals ahead of time makes it easier to stay on track.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for mental clarity, energy levels, and overall health.
When you fuel your body with healthy, whole foods, you’ll not only feel physically better but also gain more control over your energy, mood, and focus.
2. Exercise: Staying Consistent with Movement
During challenging times, it’s easy to skip workouts or fall off track with your fitness routine. However, staying consistent with exercise is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health. Regular movement helps reduce stress, improve mood, and build physical resilience.
Here’s how you can make sure exercise stays a priority:
Create a routine: Schedule your workouts like appointments you can’t miss. Even a quick 20-minute workout can make a big difference.
Incorporate movement into your day: If you’re short on time, look for small ways to add movement to your daily routine—whether it’s a walk during lunch, stretching while you work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Find what you enjoy: Whether it’s strength training, yoga, dancing, or walking, find an activity that you love. You’ll be more likely to stick with it if it feels enjoyable.
Consistency is key. You don’t need to work out for hours each day—just move regularly and you’ll see both physical and mental benefits.
3. Mindset: Controlling What’s Going on in Your Head
Your mindset is one of the most important things you can control during life’s storms. When faced with adversity, how you choose to think about and react to the situation determines how well you’ll cope and move forward. Shifting your mindset from a place of fear and frustration to one of strength and resilience is crucial.
Here are some mindset shifts that can help:
Focus on gratitude: No matter how tough life gets, there’s always something to be grateful for. Practicing daily gratitude can shift your perspective and help you stay positive, even in difficult times.
Control your thoughts: Don’t let negative thoughts spiral. Practice mindfulness and meditation to stay grounded and focused. When you notice yourself getting overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and refocus your thoughts.
Positive self-talk: How you speak to yourself matters. Instead of saying “I can’t handle this,” tell yourself, “I’m capable of overcoming challenges.” Changing your inner dialogue can have a powerful impact on your mindset.
When you focus on controlling your thoughts and emotions, you can navigate challenges with a clearer mind and a stronger sense of purpose.
Shifting Your Focus: Head, Heart, and Body
As we navigate life’s inevitable storms, whether it’s a natural disaster, health crisis, or just everyday stress, it’s crucial to prioritize three key areas: your head, your heart, and your body. These areas form the foundation of how we cope, recover, and thrive.
Head: Prioritize Your Mindset and Mental Health
Maintaining a positive, solution-oriented mindset is essential during difficult times. This is the foundation for everything else in your life. Start by practicing gratitude daily, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and engaging in activities that boost your mental health, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature.
Heart: Relationships and Emotional Wellness
Your emotional well-being plays a huge role in how you navigate challenges. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Building strong connections with loved ones and maintaining a healthy emotional balance will help you stay grounded. Emotional wellness is about being open to receiving support and also giving yourself permission to feel and heal.
Body: Exercise, Nutrition, and Rest
Taking care of your physical body through exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep is essential. When you nourish your body with healthy foods, stay active, and allow yourself time to rest, you’re giving yourself the strength and energy to handle whatever comes your way.
It’s all about finding balance. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a workout or indulge in comfort food occasionally. The key is consistency and making your well-being a priority, even when life feels chaotic.
Controlling the Controllables: Making a Shift in Your Life
No matter what life throws at you, the one thing you can always control is how you take care of yourself. When you prioritize your health, fitness, and mental well-being, you’re better equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way.
Here are some practical ways to make this shift in your own life:
Set realistic goals: Focus on what’s within your control, like your nutrition, exercise routine, and mindset. Set small, achievable goals that help you stay on track.
Build a healthy routine: Create daily habits that prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s a morning workout, meal prepping, or practicing mindfulness, make sure you’re taking time each day to care for yourself.
Stay consistent with healthy eating: Choose nutrient-dense foods that fuel your body and mind. Avoid processed and sugary foods that can leave you feeling drained.
Make movement a daily habit: Find a form of exercise that you enjoy and stick to it. Whether it’s strength training, walking, or yoga, regular movement helps reduce stress and boosts your energy.
Protect your mental space: Surround yourself with positivity, whether it’s through the content you consume, the people you interact with, or the thoughts you focus on.
Practice gratitude daily: Each day, write down at least three things you’re grateful for. This simple habit can shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.
Focus on What You Can Control
When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember this: you have control over more than you think. By prioritizing your health, focusing on proper nutrition, staying consistent with exercise, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can build the resilience needed to weather any storm.
You may not be able to control every aspect of life, but by shifting your focus to the things that truly matter—your head, heart, and body—you can thrive, no matter what comes your way.
No matter what storms you’re facing—whether they’re external or internal—you have the power to control how you respond and take care of yourself. Prioritizing your health, nutrition, and mindset is the foundation for resilience, strength, and well-being. As we move into the busy holiday season, it’s more important than ever to stay focused on what you can control.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need help learning how to prioritize your health, I’m currently taking on new 1:1 clients and would love to support you in your journey. Let’s work together to create a personalized plan that will help you feel your best through the holidays and beyond. Click the link below to schedule a call with me today, and let’s make this your healthiest season yet!
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