Two weeks ago, Harvey came to me stating that he thought it would be best if he dropped out of participation in the gym program.
Why?
He felt he was getting all of the exercise he needed during his daily job of picking up donations and lifting / moving goods on the runs the Thrift Store’s trucks make. HR stated, “I’m simply exhausted at the end of each day. I don’t want to waste the program’s money on my gym membership.”
We discussed several things:
- What was HR eating each day?
- Answer: skimping on breakfast, eating too much at lunch, eating too many sweets and salty foods at the expense of other options.
- What was sorts of fluid intake was he consuming?
- Very little pure water. Mostly diet soda and juice products. Sometimes Red Bull or other energy drinks.
- Was HR smoking or otherwise consuming nicotine products?
- Yes. Approximately 2-3 cigarettes per day, often when feeling fatigued or frustrated.
- How was HR sleeping?
- Not well. Waking up feeling tired and lethargic.
I also mentioned that
- Working on the truck was “work”; going to the gym and engaging in recreational activities is something else entirely – physically and psychologically.
- Since it was unclear what his future line of work would be upon leaving the Mission, might it not be a good idea to establish a recreation / fitness regimen now?
- Are you open-minded and willing?
- Yes.
Flash forward to yesterday, when we were chatting at lunch.
HR reported that he feels 100% BETTER and that his fatigue has dissipated despite his continuing to work 8-hour days on the truck.
What changed?
- HR cut out ALL nicotine ( had smoked 2-3 cigarettes per day)
- HR replaced those other packaged soft drinks and juices with WATER.
- HR is going to the gym 5 days per week, mornings, before going to work. He states that the exercise gives him more energy and makes the day EASIER.
- HR reports his sleep has improved remarkably. He attributes this to the three factors noted above.
He expressed a great deal of gratitude to our advice and programming – and for my strongly encouraging him to stick with the program, and make adjustments.
I wanted our supporters and donors to see just one example of how we are helping people to make significant improvements in their outlook, resilience and physical well-being.
We could not do it without you!
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