What does it mean to be “In the Zone”? Some mistakenly think “In The Zone” is about creating social clubs, groups or fitness programs. The “Zone” is not in the activities that you engage in. Some think the “Zone” is the Club, the Fitness Center, or some other location. The “Zone” is not a place. Some think the “Zone” is going out to dinner with friends, socializing at Club events, playing golf or rackets sports with a regular group. The “Zone” is not in the people with whom you associate.
The “Zone” is not outside of you. The “Zone” is inside of you. Being “In The Zone” is a state of mind. It is the state of mind that is aware of those factors which contribute to your own health, well-being, and longevity. Research has demonstrated those contributing factors are as follows:
Activity: keeping your body and mind active, strong, and flexible.
Purpose: having a reason to get up in the morning, finding meaningful direction and motivation for your life in a set of values that guide your actions and decision-making.
Connection: engaging in human interactions and relationships such that you become aware of your similarities and differences with others, thereby creating a firm sense of both community and individuality.
Diet/Nutrition: being conscious of what and how much you are eating and drinking. Food and drink are, at the most basic level, the chemicals (nutrients) that are necessary to maintain the essential biochemical balances within that complex organism called YOU.
Restoration: understanding that physical and mental activity deplete energy and cause fatigue; knowing your requirements for sleep and other methods of slowing or stopping activities; understanding that giving your body and mind an opportunity to recover are as essential as activity itself.
The “In The Zone” program is designed to inform, educate, encourage and provide opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. However, the fundamental mission of “In The Zone” is to help you become aware that it is up to you to develop a state of mind that enables YOU to design your own program for health and well-being.
A. When you engage in activities, do those things that not only bring you pleasure but also activate body and mind. Be aware of whether you’ve become too sedentary or too routinized.
B. Wake up with a plan. And have part of that plan be something you look forward to accomplishing. Try to include in every day some time for something you love. Be aware of whether you are directing your own life or if you are on “cruise control”.
C. When you interact with others, remember the 4 L’s: try to Listen, Learn, Love, and/or Laugh in each interaction. Be aware of whether you are talking TO or talking WITH other people.
D. Eat smart and hydrate. Moderation is healthy but not always attainable while denial, though sometimes attainable, is not usually healthy. We all know sugar and salt are delicious and flavorful but lots of sugar and salt is generally unhealthy. And that is true about pretty much everything. Eat and drink consciously.
E. Do not underestimate the importance of sleep (and napping). Understand that a tired mind needs as much rest as a tired body. Learn ways to rest your mind. “You cannot pour from an empty cup”.
Being “in The Zone” means being willing to not only take care of yourself but also to care about your Self, body and mind. Being “In The Zone” means to make a commitment to your Self. Being “In The Zone” means to make the decision to design your own personal plan to live a healthier lifestyle for yourself, for family, and friends who care about you. No one else should have to or can do it for you. No one else knows your body and mind better than you do. If not now, when?
