What a great book and great concept! This book is written by Dr. Eric Plasker, Chiropractor and Wellness Expert. I saw an Oprah show last year and consequently wrote an article in this publication about the fastest growing demographic on the globe: Centenarians. This was so interesting for me as it not only pertains to my personal health and wellness but also to my practice.
The 100 Year Lifestyle concept is quite symple. As our knowledge and understanding increases about the body and how it works, we are more likely to reach our genetic potential that some have estimated at 120 years old. As the author asks, "If you knew you'd live to be 100, how would you change your life?" In Part 1 I would love to highlight the three main principles of this book and in Part 2 I will outline more of the tools and plans to help fulfill your true potential.
The first principle is "Change is easy. Thinking about change is hard." As Dr. Plasker points out, "resisting change is harder than embracing change." I get this, I really do. I have 2 small kids. I am not up at 6am to workout everyday because the thought of having to change my HABITS of going to bed at certain times and getting up at certain times feels like it would be really difficult. Luckily for me my week is set up so I still make time to fit these essential activities in (and other essential activities like spending quality time with my family). I also hear this all the time when a patient knows they need to change an unhealthy habit but just the thought of having to change something they have done for many years (like sleeping on their stomach) sends them into panic. "How could I possibly sleep in a different position? A pillow under or between the knees, what are you crazy??" I used to sleep on my stomach too until I realized it was part of the reason that my back hurt everyday when I got out of bed! It really only took a month or two and then it was changed forever.
The second principle is "Change happens one choice at a time-think progress, not perfection." I've also read in other books the idea that perfection paralyzes people. I used to suffer from this quite a bit where I wouldn't want to start something unless I knew it could be done right. I also see this everyday as I recommend a few exercises that might take 2-3 minutes/day three times a week but if a person can't do that perfectly they won't do it at all. I used to feel this way about yoga - I wouldn't do it in pieces because I didn't think that it would be effective. Then as my free time got more challenged and completely sporadic I realized that every 5-10 minutes of yoga would help prepare for my day or assist me to unwind after a busy day. I know I would benefit more from an entire class, but I didn't let this stop me from doing a little bit each day. Let's face it, habits are hard to change so we need to allow ourselves permission to not do everything perfect and just start to take baby steps that lead us in the right direction.
The last principle is "Approach change with your ideal 100-year lifestyle in mind." I interpret this as a means to create leverage for yourself. Always keep in mind the future you want to experience. What is the vision for your life? I hope I don't sound like a broken record, but the choices we make today help define our health for tomorrow and the years ahead! Nobody else can care more about your life than you can. The time is now to take action and help create the life you have always dreamed of. Aging can be a good thing. If we plan and prepare now we can create an opportunity to realize all of our dreams and establish a remarkable legacy!
Dr. Jason Plotsky
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