Most of us can relate to the concept of creating space. We find space in our closets for new clothes; we make space in our homes to accommodate a new piece of furniture; we create space in our storage areas by giving away items that we no longer need. Creating space prepares us for something new or something different. For anything new to come in, it needs space. It needs room to manifest.

Similarly, health improvement requires the creation of space: a carved out block of time that, when used efficiently, moves us from where we are to where we want to be.

 In today’s busy world, it is very easy to create space for everyone else and neglect ourselves, and consequently our health, in the process. To that end, claiming space for ourselves provides a welcomed rebalancing of life priorities. It allows us to take stock of our behaviors, actions and choices that move us away or toward our goals. The creation of space represents a crucial step toward health improvement.

Here are a few things Big Rewards program members are doing to create space for better health:

• Making personal appointments to exercise
• Using ten minutes before bedtime to pack a healthy lunch
• Taking regular stress breaks at work
• Bringing a child to a family-friendly fitness center
• Hiring a personal fitness trainer
• Riding a bike to work as a way to commute and exercise at the same time
• Developing personal mission statements that provide focus and direction
• Training for competitive events, such as the Marine Corps Marathon
• Using the word “no” a little more often
Opening up space sends a very clear message that we are ready to place ourselves first, take charge of our health and go after what we really want.

What is one step you can take today to create more space for your health improvement plan?

 By Terri Holley, MS, CHES

Discuss This Article
Have you found an innovative way to create space for better health? We invite you to discuss this article and post your strategies on the Heart and Style Big Rewards message board (or leave a comment below).