Control What You Can | THE VIRAL Journal, Part 34
By Josh Jennrich
I’ve been thinking a ton lately about my recent move to Minnesota. Now have you, this has been one of the greatest summers I’ve had in my 33 years in this vessel. I’ve been doing and trying things that have been so far out of my comfort zone! I’ve really seen myself doing more things not only for Josh, but for the people I love and for people I don’t even know. Maybe you can relate, but even with all of these great events and positive contributions, I find myself questioning whether or not leaving my “comfort zone” was for the best!
As I’ve invested more and more time into my education, my health, and my community, I’ve learned an incredible amount of information and wisdom. Living in this pandemic, being isolated from loved ones, and unsure of what tomorrow will bring, I’ve invested much of my time into learning about my strengths, my weaknesses, and focusing on the things that I do have control of in my life. Focusing on the understanding that all each of us have is RIGHT NOW. Yesterday came and went and we have no idea or control over what tomorrow is going to bring. That’s why focusing on you, focusing on the things that you can control, right now, today, is the best way of becoming the greatest you.
As I list a few ideas and actionable things that you can do to invest a bit more time into yourself, remember that these benefits are only redeemable if you choose to do them consistently, optimistically, and with the intention of becoming a happier and healthier person, friend, and contributor to those around you.
Make sleep a priority. Making sleep essential can give you super powers that you never thought you could have. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t enjoy sleep, yet so many folks don’t prioritize it, devaluing its importance. Cognitive and performance benefits, health and immune benefits, stress and reactive benefits, and adds so much value to your long term health and well being.
Stay hydrated. You body isn’t made of soda, alcohol, or coffee. It’s made of our most essential nutrient on the earth: water! Water helps regulate normal bodily functions, helps the body feel good, and feeds the brain. Try your best to drink AT LEAST half of your body weight on ounces each day.
Move your body daily. Your body is designed to move, and wants to move. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours at the gym. Start simple and find what works for you. Remember, the best exercise for you is the exercise that you will do.
We live in a world full go daily microstressors that can place some unnecessary weight into our laps. Stress is created by lack of control. Humans are hard wired to want control over everything that happens in their lives. Here’s the reality though, 95 plus percent of what happens in our lives is out of our control. If we can start to realize and understand that this is just the simple truth, some of these small stresses can start to go away. Even more, doing the simple things that you can control consistently and intently, and you can start to add value to your health and well being. Some of the controllable things are listed above. You control what time you go to bed. You control what you put into your body when it comes to food and hydration. You control how often you move your body.
When I began to implement these very simple, but very controllable things, the best Josh started to show up. I believe that we undervalue ourselves, and we take for granted the simple tasks that add so much value to who we are as a person. So, this is me encouraging you to take the time and do the simple things in your life that you can control, and the things that at the end of the day appreciate you back. The controllable things will allow you to show up each day and make the impact that you’re here to make! Stay well!
For Goodness Sake,
Josh
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Our e-journal documents the COVID-19 pandemic from our viewpoint within our community. In the short-term, we hope it promotes connectivity and contrast within our shirtBOARD network. In the long-term, we hope it gives timely interpretations of the event to provide insight and understanding for future generations.
