Running into an old acquaintance recently, I was asked, “How’s life?” My response was something along the lines of, “Oh, you know, same stuff different day.” After a short conversation, we parted ways. As I was reflecting on our brief interaction, it dawned on me: life isn’t the same. It has changed drastically over the last few years. I am not the same person physically or mentally as I was when I had last seen him. It reminded me of a phrase I had heard years before: “The only constant in life is change.”

Relationships change. Jobs change. Parents age. Children grow. And you … you have gotten older. Each of these changes adds a different level of stress to our lives. And whether you like it or not, those stressors directly affect your overall health. Many of the changes that are thrust upon us are out of our control. But our response to each of those challenges determines whether they have a positive or negative impact on our well-being.

Rather than trying to control the things we cannot, what if we prepared ourselves to handle the stress life throws at us more effectively? Studies have shown time and time again that people who lead healthy lifestyles are better equipped to process and adapt to the stressors that are inevitable in our lives.

One of the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle is nutrition. It’s not just about the quantity of food we consume but the quality. The first step in a well-balanced diet is to focus on choosing whole, unprocessed foods. It may be daunting with all the information on the internet, but staying away from processed foods and choosing foods closest to their natural state is key. To keep it simple, stick with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, and avoid highly processed carbohydrates like pasta and bread.

Eating right will help you boost energy levels and improve your mental health, leaving you more prepared to handle change and stress. By making good choices about what we eat, we can protect our bodies against the physical manifestations of the stresses that change can bring about.

Another critical aspect of a healthy lifestyle is regular physical activity. Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. It stimulates the production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Additionally, physical activity helps reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body. Regular movement is the least prescribed form of antidepressant available.

Having a regular fitness routine not only improves physical health but also helps relieve anxiety and depression symptoms. Even simple activities like walking or jogging can have a significant impact on your overall health. Exercise can help you release pent-up energy from daily stressors, allowing for a clearer and calmer mind.

Additionally, regular physical activity improves sleep quality, which can be affected by stress. A good night’s sleep is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. By incorporating exercise into your daily routine, you can improve your ability to cope with stress and enhance your overall quality of life.

Lastly, being surrounded by a strong, supportive community plays a vital role in managing stress and helps us stick to our nutrition and fitness goals. We weren’t created to do life alone. Having a group of friends and family to do life with can make a world of difference.

One of the easiest ways to support your whole health is to join a community of like-minded people. Whether it is a church, a gym, a local club or charity, they will help encourage you, lift you up and become a better human being.

While we cannot control all the changes and stressors in our lives, we can equip ourselves to handle them better through a healthy lifestyle. By prioritizing nutrition, engaging in regular fitness activity, and fostering a supportive community, we can improve our physical and mental resilience. This whole health approach not only helps us manage stress more effectively but also leads to a happier, healthier life. Embrace the changes and take charge of your well-being.

Bear Walters is the owner of Get Fit Oakdale and has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years. The team at Get Fit has served the Oakdale community through fitness classes and nutritional coaching for the last seven years. For more information, go to info@getfitoakdale.com or call 209-493-7633.