How do I keep a health and fitness focus?

Every now and then, I get to "trade" coaching with my mentors; some time ago, I asked a teacher to help keep me focused on writing...in exchange, I would help her stay focused on her fitness/nutrition goals.

Via e-mail one day she gave me a "homework" assignment to get myself going on the writing process. Here is what she wrote:

Jason,

I'm going on a trip, Wednesday through Sunday. I'm speaking several times, signing my new book, going out to dinner...really working hard for those few days. Write me a letter giving me some ideas to keep a health and fitness focus.

Hello_______,

I am excited you asked me to write this letter. It acts as a self-declaration that you will put your attention on your intention. As you continue traveling, you will consider your health and wellness...congratulations.

I thought I would write about three things to focus on:

• First off, you'll be talking and walking (at least up on your feet) a lot, so, drink lots of water.

• Second, I am sure you're going to be pulled to talk to a few extra people, sign a few extra books, and make "one more" phone call before you leave your hotel room. In your purse, pack a couple of ziplock bags with one-half of a protein bar and a handful of nuts and dried fruit.

• Finally, make sure you wear layers - conference rooms combined with fall in the Northeast means wildly changing environments.

Your body can easily process about 4 ounces of water every twenty minutes or so. Practically speaking, you will want to have a bottle of water handy throughout the day; just take in small sips. As you breathe, sneeze, cough, and perspire, your body wants to replace that fluid with clean water. For the days you are speaking, aim to consume at least two bottles of water each day.

If you are anything like me, the lure of an interested person will keep you talking, and away from nutrition. I find when many people "finally" sit down to a meal, they make up for not eating properly through the day with speed and volume; the quickly eat more than they need. It takes almost 15 minutes AFTER you are full for your body-mind connection to tell you that.

One-half of a protein bar and a handful of nuts is a great way to keep the motor running. If you add in the sugar and calories from the fruit, you will have a balanced bit of nutrition to get you to your next sit down meal. And, when you get to that meal, here is a tip - for each serving they bring you, be sure to leave at least two bites on the plate.

And, my favorite for us presenters...wear layers. Our bodies work so hard to maintain homeostasis. We are regulating everything - breathing, heart rate, digestion, blinking eyes, and more; our bodies want to do this most efficiently. You could call this static, or normal; personally, I consider it to be my way of NOT working too hard. And, as we both know, the less energy sent to the body, the more we can use in our mind. Keep your body from sending energy to warm up and cool down, dress in a way that makes it easy to balance.

I wish you the best, and I know you'll do great. Talking about what we love gives us the light energy we need - and use - to bring a message of hope to those we can help. Good luck, I am excited to hear from you the week after this event!