A positive perspective on the choices we make for our health takes the drudgery out of it and emphasizes the benefits.
By Alison Crane
Scientists and researchers are constantly gaining more information on how to extend the length of life. Doctors provide patients with detailed lists of things to do or not do to be able to live longer. The things listed are research-proven, beneficial, and even common-sense things to do, like eating fish and berries, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep, and things not to do like smoking, overeating, or drinking too much alcohol.
Following a checklist can improve health, but it can also add unexpected stress. Trying to do or not do everything recommended can create pressure that can cause new problems, aggravate existing ones, or lead to other issues. But what if the perspective is changed from checking off a list in order to live longer, to making good health choices because they make me feel good when I do them?
Changing our perspective requires some basic knowledge of nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Learning which foods are needed for good health and how they work in our bodies provides a starting point. Partnering that knowledge with an awareness of how eating some types of food makes us feel, plus how getting enough sleep and exercise can energize us, can encourage us to make good choices without feeling deprived.
The effect of making better food choices, exercising, and eight hours of sleep has the effect of “I like how I feel, when I ….., so I will do it more often,” versus “I have to do… or not eat… because it is bad for me.” A positive perspective on the choices we make for our health takes the drudgery out of it and emphasizes the benefits that we are experiencing.
While there is nothing wrong with working to check off the list of good health recommendations, try approaching it with a positive mindset. So instead of focusing on not eating “unhealthy foods or doing something because it will help to live longer, choose good foods, exercise, and prioritize enough sleep because it helps you to enjoy life to the fullest!
For more information and programs on making healthy choices, contact the Garland County Extension at 501-623-6841 or email acrane@uada.edu.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
“As of April 22, 2025, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is complying with federal Executive Orders, as well as Arkansas state laws that have been recently signed or enacted. Previous posts, publications, podcasts, news stories, etc., published on our webpages, social media posts, etc., were published in compliance with previous federal executive orders and regulations that have been revoked.”
