I am a BIG fan of YOLO, also known as "You Only Live Once". I'm still learning all the 2000's acronyms myself... But this is by far my favorite! I can totally identify with living life to the fullest!
I feel a lot of my adult clients struggle with this aspect...Wanting to take care of themselves well but also wanting to have that little bit of indulgence or drink... Because, you know, you do only live once!
I don't have all the answers, I am dancing on the line myself! I don't even think that balance is the right word here because it is so good to invite change into our routine, change into our diets, and change into our homes.
Most of my adult clients are in their 30's, 40's, and 50's, and are striving to carve the time to take care of themselves. That looks different for everyone. It's not a one size fits all- do this and you will achieve health- equation. That's what keeps life interesting...We all need to do different things to feel better, get healthier, and stay sane.
So.... What to do when you want to YOLO?? It depends on what we are working with. Have you been diagnosed with pre- anything?? You are in the yellow zone and are flirting with disease. Do you have one or more diagnoses already? That changes the conversation. Are you floating around, free of any ailments and issues? Lucky you.
My best advice for YOLO-ing isn't to ignore advice from health professionals! It is to ingest and digest that information, and put a plan to action. Included in that plan is figuring out the parts of you that make you feel alive- that YOLO feeling- that still need to be included in your world. That doesn't mean daily fritos or soda, usually. It may be cocktails on the weekends, or ice cream with your kids here and there. I'm a big believer in the gray, as long as we are evolving and managing our stress levels and being proactive about our health.
What are the things that make you feel alive? Are you doing them often? Do they affect your health positively or negatively? Food for thought!