Heal-O #2: My One Thing

If you were given the option to choose between an apple and an orange, what would you choose? We may feel obliged to choose from the options that are laid out in front of us, but what about that third undisclosed item?  

Let’s take physical activity as an example. I have always associated physical activity with running or being part of a sports team, where students are being assessed by physical fitness, strength, and movement skills. That is what I was exposed to when I was in elementary school, the years of education that introduced me to and laid the foundation of my knowledge in physical activity.

..:: Physical activity & education ::..

The notion of physical activity has changed since then and it is comforting to see how many supportive organizations and initiatives exist to promote physical activity and wellness in a different manner.

For example, the Canadian Physical Education Association (CPEA) was founded approximately 80 years ago, in 1933. After several name and possibly mandate changes, we know it today as the Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada). The shift from physical education to health education brings forward a different emphasis on what constitutes a “physical activity” (they also have a lot of free health education resources to support educators!).

What is more significant is the societal shift in the understanding and meaning of physical activity and, by extension, physical education. What does it means to be physically active? Does it mean the number of sit-ups you can do in one minute? In some aspects, the measurable fitness levels should define one’s fitness ability (such as sports teams – we do want to make sure that the skills and fitness levels of the Sedins are measured against professional quantifiable standards!). However, being active can simply mean engaging in activity that increases your heart rate and be something you enjoy.

..:: The shift ::..

I talked to someone from SFU Athletics and Recreation and they were telling me that the greatest number of fitness centre and gym users peaked in January of each year but slowly declined after approximately a month. This seems to coincide with when people make New Year’s resolutions. I was one of these people – I would consistently go to the fitness centre at the beginning of the year but my visits there slowly declined in mid February. 

Individuals have this preconceived idea that in order to be physically active, we have to be doing something others recognize as physical activity, even if it is not something we enjoy. I decided to try something new and discovered zumba, a mix of dance and fitness. Zumba has become one of my favourite and consistent ways to have a fantastic time while getting an excellent workout. The energized and amazing feeling I get during and after class is what keeps me excited to return to it time and again. I love being healthful and getting physically active as much as I value the enjoyment and gratification I get from the activity!

..:: My One Thing ::..

I realize that it doesn’t, and shouldn’t, take a lot for an individual to engage in healthy behaviour change (whatever that means to you) if you just choose one thing a day that makes you happy. The Canadian Cancer Society has a great initiative called My One Thing that I love. Just a small change or action each day that can make a difference!

For me, I like to look at it as one thing you can do each day to be happy and healthy.

• Take 5 minutes to sit and do absolutely nothing and clear my mind.
• Take a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood.
• Call up a friend and have a conversation.
• Try something new.
• Go dancing.
• Laugh. 

So when given two options that aren’t ideal, maybe think of something else that you would enjoy!

I’ll end this off, and perhaps with each post, by sharing “my one thing” that I did or will do that makes me happy and healthy. 

[Source: Lehoa M., Sept 2013]

What is your one thing?