In his latest book, "Ultimate Family Wellness," David shares his own story of balancing fatherhood with fitness, and gives his expert advice on how to work out and eat well with the whole family. Recognizing that it can be a challenge to stay on track with health and well-being when you are juggling family demands, to make things a little simpler David shares his top five rules to live by to help improve health and well-being.
Rule 1: Live in the moment
We all know people stuck in the past or planning for the future. To live a healthy, balanced, productive life, you need to live in the present and say to yourself, "Today is the first day of the rest of my life." Saying "I'm going to start eating better and exercising tomorrow" only opens up that procrastination box. There are only so many tomorrows and only one today. Seize the moment now -- be all that you can be this very moment.
Rule 2: Be accountable
How many times do we say to ourselves, "If only he didn't stress me out so much, I wouldn't have eaten the pint of ice cream," or, "I would've worked out, but the kids had a rough night and kept me up." I don't always have the answer, nor do I always do the right thing, but I own and try to learn from my mistakes.
Rule 3: Believe in yourself
I am raising my daughters Emilia and Francesca with these invaluable tenets. They are far from perfect, but they do their best, and in so doing, embrace the power of possibility. We can accomplish anything we set our minds and hearts to. I try to instill that same level of confidence in my clients in our initial consultations and throughout our work together. Successfully completing a well-being program will instill a renewed self-confidence and belief in your abilities.
Rule 4: Don't let stress sabotage wellness goals
Stress has been the undoing of many diets and exercise plans but here are some of my stress-busting tips to help:
Five deep breaths: The power of five deep breaths will help diffuse even the most stressful moments. Allowing that moment to collect yourself helps immeasurably.
Visualization: Find that happy place. Whether it's a tender moment with a partner, child, or friend, or a special place you visited and loved, call upon those moments when you need a mental or spiritual lift.
Exercise: Exercise has been the prescription for most that ails me. It has de-stressed me, healed me, and empowered me. Push-ups aren't for everyone, but don't underestimate the power of walking and moving your body.
Rule 5: Connect mind and body
The final rule to live by applies to the exercise we do and the foods we eat. Being mindful of how and what you eat, and whether and what you do for exercise, will help guide and enlighten you on the path to total wellness. What goes on inside your head is just as important as the food you eat and the exercises you complete. To be successful, you will need inner strength and the belief that you can do anything you set your mind to.
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