Your Body is a Rental Car: Treating Your Physical Self with Care and Respect

We often take our bodies for granted, pushing them to their limits and neglecting their basic needs. I think of our bodies as rental cars - precious vehicles on loan to us for our journey through life. 

Imagine you've been given a rental car for an epic road trip. It's the only car you'll have for the entire journey, and there's no option to trade it in or upgrade. How would you treat it? You'd likely:

- Fill it with the best fuel available.
- Keep it well-maintained.
- Address any issues promptly.
- Treat it gently to avoid wear and tear.

Our bodies deserve the same level of care and respect. From the moment we're born until our final breath, we have one body to carry us through life's adventures. It's our responsibility to nurture and maintain this incredible machine.

Just as you wouldn't put low-grade petrol in a high-performance car - I think your body deserves premium fuel!

- Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods
- Staying hydrated with plenty of water
- Limiting processed foods and excess sugar
- Being mindful of portion sizes

Remember, the fuel you put in directly impacts your body's performance and longevity. "Eating for the next three hours" is a tool I have used for years. If I have a lot on, then I fuel up with energy-enriched foods. If I have nothing on, I try to limit my food intake. Knowing what foods contribute and contaminate our energy is a great place to start. What food makes you feel amazing? What food makes you bloated or jittery or uncomfortable?

A well-maintained car runs smoothly and lasts longer. Similarly, your body needs regular care:

- Get adequate sleep each night.
- Exercise often.
- Stretch to maintain flexibility.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing.

When a warning light comes on in your car, you don't ignore it. We need to apply the same principle to your body - addressing issues promptly:

- Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor.
- Don't ignore persistent aches, pains, or changes in your health.
- Seek medical attention when needed, rather than waiting until small issues become big problems.

Treating your vehicle with respect:

- Avoid harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol.
- Wear protective gear during sports and other activities.
- Listen to your body when it needs rest.
- Practice good hygiene and self-care. 

You return a rental car at the end of a trip. The average trip of a lifetime is around 85 years. Middle age is incredibly motivating! The effort you put in in your forties and fifties is the difference between living well later - or not!

The care you give it now will determine how well it serves you in the years to come. By treating your body as a precious vehicle - fueling it properly, maintaining it regularly, addressing issues promptly, and handling it with care - you're investing in a smoother, more enjoyable journey through life.

You only get one body in this lifetime. Treat it like the magical vehicle that it is!

LISA LOVES:

My favourite body butter!

Pansy, calendula and chamomile help to soothe dry skin, while organic shea and cocoa butter leave it intensely nourished and soft. This fast-absorbing butter leaves a non-greasy skin feel while providing lasting hydration.