Day 14 - 3 Healthy Habits
There was a journalist on the phone from a local lifestyle magazine. She was reaching out, according to Marcy, my receptionist, to local business people as part of a live well Louisiana campaign. She was asking about favorite healthy habits. Since I didn’t have any appointments at the moment, I agreed to speak to her.
“Hello, this is Dr. Byron Prescott. May I help you?” I leaned back in my chair and listened to her spiel. “Happy to help. You said you just needed 3 healthy habits I try to stick to? Hmm…let me think.
“I think lunch breaks are not only essential to refuel with healthy meals, but chances to refresh mentally too. When I get busy, it’s too easy to skip lunch, but I feel so much better at the end of the day when I don’t.
“If you haven’t had a second to think about your day between meetings or tasks or appointments, lunch is a great time to think ‘what’s next’, and to recharge. Sitting in your chair constantly, in your head, can be exhausting. Sometimes it’s a reality for hours on end, with no thought for hydrating or moving around. So lunch is like a pit stop to refuel, regroup and refocus.”
I gave her a few minutes to jot all that down and ask me to repeat parts of it before discussing my second choice. “Along with refueling, I think moving around is important. Short breaks, stepping away from the desk, stretching, and walking outside are the small things that can support you throughout the day. A little walk means a lot more than just a break from stress. It can be your reset button. I love to take walks with my wife where we can get away from everything and just be together are priceless.”
I was stuck on the third habit, but something in the hurried tone of the journalist triggered me. “Breathing not only supports my mental health, it also helps to focus and calm me. Take some time to set aside whatever it is you’re doing today... and just breathe. When we take deep breaths, signals to our brains tell us to calm down and relax. These messages move through our bodies, reducing tension and relieving stress. Especially when we’re anxious or overwhelmed. I know I have an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and higher blood pressure when I feel stressed. Deep breathing reduces these symptoms, helping calm my mind and body. It seems too good to be true but it works.”
We chatted for a few more minutes and then ended the call. I asked Marcy if there was anything on the schedule coming up. When she said no, I decided to call my wife and tell her how much I loved her. The healthiest habit of all!
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