The gift that keeps on giving

How about a little holiday pop quiz? I'm thinking of a gift that has these qualities: It doesn't have to cost a dime, yet is priceless; you may not recognize that you already possess it until you, or someone close to you, loses it.

What is it? Drum roll, please. It's your health.

Good health is something that we can't live comfortably without. Once it's lost, many would be willing to pay millions if they could only have it back. Nurture it, and it will be a constant source of fulfillment, peace of mind, and confidence to move forward in your life. How's that for continually generating rewards for you to enjoy?

What happens when you let the gift of good health start slipping away? For many people, the first sign of a health problem is a plummeting energy level. Like the right fuel and lubrication on an engine, good overall health keeps your body going. With it, you progress through your day feeling sharp, focused, and on task. You can work to achieve your goals, both at work and at home. Without it...Have you ever waded through a long day, exhausted and unable to stay focused or be productive? This is like the engine warning light on your car's dashboard, and it should not be ignored. Lack of energy is a sign that some part of your health picture--sleep, nutrition, lifestyle--is less than optimal.

If you recognize something is amiss, commit to acting to fix it. There's a right way and a wrong way of going about that, though. Here are two "don'ts" for reclaiming your health.

DON'T gamble by assuming your health will take care of itself.
This is time for action. When you turn your attention to yourself and your own well-being, you are making an investment in a priceless quality that you can't afford to sacrifice. This is NOT selfish; this is a necessary action. If you aren't paying attention to your health, unfortunately, odds are that it will catch with you later. Just like your car, your body needs care, regularly scheduled maintenance, the right fuel, and a tune-up from time to time. And it needs you to make that commitment to finding resources to give you the right guidance.

DON'T seek self-care guidance from questionable or unreliable sources.
Up late at night surfing the Web for information on a particular health condition? Relying on Aunt Nicole even though she isn't an expert because she "seems" to be well informed? Depending on the individual behind the health food store counter to help you find solutions? If so, then you are not respecting yourself as you should. You have a right--and a duty to yourself--to have professional assistance. What's more, there's a lot of confusion out there. Complicating your thinking with information overload doesn't lead to answers, it only makes the situation more puzzling. Avoid well-meaning but misguided advice by turning to qualified support for help.

Keep your eye on the gift that keeps giving, your health. This is the best way for you to move forward in your life with vitality, enjoyment, and longevity. Start with a simple, small step: Pay attention. That means you shouldn't let warning signs slip under the radar. And you should get to know your body to understand what you're feeling. Doing so will allow you to reap countless rewards now, and in the future.