Saksham Kumar_Reflection 3

Balancing Body and Mind: A Personal Journey into Physical Health

Welcome back to another reflection on well-being! If we’ve spent some time exploring mental health, it’s only natural to shift our focus to physical health—the cornerstone of our overall well-being. If mental health is the state of our mind, physical health is the status of our body. The two are inseparable, each influencing the other in ways that can shape our lives and how others perceive us.

The idea of physical health often gets lost in the noise of modern life, where the pace is fast, and the temptations are many. But let’s not kid ourselves—how we treat our bodies impacts every aspect of our lives. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Body positivity is great until you die of diabetes or malnutrition.” It’s a harsh reminder that while self-acceptance is important, so is taking care of ourselves physically.

In a recent class discussion, we delved into what it means to be physically healthy. The conversation naturally flowed from the types of food we consume to our daily exercise routines—or lack thereof. We couldn’t help but compare different lifestyles across the globe, with American diets often taking the brunt of criticism, especially when contrasted with the healthier habits seen in Japanese culture.

It wasn’t just about food, though. We talked about exercise, sleep, and how these factors interconnect to create our physical health landscape. I realized, like many of my peers, that while my mental health is a work in progress, my physical health needs just as much attention.

One striking point from our discussion was the role of sugar in our diets. It’s a silent killer, sneaking into almost everything we eat, especially here in the Philippines, where sweet treats are a staple. But here’s the twist: I’m not battling sugar addiction like many others; I’m dealing with the opposite problem—hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. It’s not a chronic issue, but I’ve learned to be mindful of my sugar intake, relying on natural sources like fruits rather than processed sweets. Honey has become my go-to sweetener, a small but significant choice that reflects my approach to diet.

But sugar isn’t my only concern. As someone who’s actively trying to bulk up, I’ve been more focused on my calorie and protein intake, sometimes at the expense of other aspects of my diet. Salt, for example, is something I know I should be cutting back on, especially since I’m the designated cook at home. It’s a balancing act, trying to build muscle while also keeping my diet in check—a challenge that many of us face in our pursuit of physical health.

During our class, we also completed a self-assessment—a quiz of sorts that made us reflect on our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. My score was fair, but it was a wake-up call. There are areas in my life that need more attention, and this exercise was a reminder that health is a journey, not a destination.

As I sit here reflecting on this, I can’t help but think about how much there is still to learn and improve upon. Physical health isn’t just about looking good or avoiding illness—it’s about feeling strong, capable, and ready to take on whatever life throws your way. It’s about having the energy to pursue your passions and the resilience to handle setbacks.

So, as I continue this journey, I’m committing to being more mindful of what I eat, how I exercise, and how I treat my body overall. It’s not always easy, and I’m sure there will be times when I fall short. But that’s part of the process, right? Learning, growing, and becoming the best version of ourselves, one step at a time.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Remember, your body is the only place you have to live, so treat it with the respect it deserves. Until next time, stay healthy and take care of yourself!