Achieving Optimal Wellness: The Importance of Community and Environment
In a world where instant gratification and overnight success often steal the spotlight (yes, we’re looking at you, TikTok!), it’s easy to forget the power of struggle and hard work in achieving true health and wellness. But let’s be real—achieving optimal health doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of consistent effort, discipline, and yes, embracing challenges along the way.
In this episode of the Uncommon Freedom Podcast (Episode 45), we dive deep into one of the seven disciplines of Uncommon Freedom: health. As health coaches, we might be a little biased, but health is definitely one of our favorite disciplines. In this episode, we discuss the two primary factors often overlooked when it comes to improving health—community and environment. And stay tuned until the end, where we introduce something we’re super excited about: the Uncommon Freedom Health Assessment!
But before we jump into all that, take a moment to think about where you are on your own health journey. Have you reached optimal health yet?
What is Optimal Health?
Achieving a healthy weight is a common health goal, but weight alone isn’t the be-all-end-all when it comes to your health. Your journey could involve focusing on any number of factors like strength, nutrition, hydration, sleep, or even developing a healthy mindset. The point is, optimal health is different for everyone, and your path will look unique.
Take a moment to reflect with these questions before we dive deeper:
How long have you been working on your health goals?
Where do you feel you are on the path to optimal health?
Are you happy with your current health status?
Are you progressing toward your goals as expected?
Now, let's break down the key components we discussed on the podcast.
The Importance of Healthy Surroundings
When it comes to your health, surroundings matter. There are two primary elements that shape your health journey: community and environment.
1. Community: You Are the Average of Your Five Closest People
"We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with." – Jim Rohn
Let’s start with community. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but a Harvard study found that a person’s chance of becoming obese increases by:
57% if a close friend is obese
40% if a sibling is obese
37% if a spouse is obese
These numbers are shocking, but not necessarily surprising. We’re heavily influenced by the people we surround ourselves with—whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues. Your community plays a huge role in your health success or struggles.
Who Should Be in Your Health Community?
Those who have gone before you – Mentors or people with similar goals who can offer guidance.
Those who will go along with you – Friends who share similar health goals and can support you along the way.
Those who want to grow, improve, and change – People who actively seek personal development and are open to new ideas.
Those who will push you higher – People who will encourage and challenge you to become better, not drag you down.
Who Shouldn’t Be in Your Health Community?
Those who lack integrity – People who undermine their own health or others.
Those who thrive on negativity – Those who discourage positive change and growth.
Those who bring others down – Individuals who constantly criticize or make others feel bad about their efforts.
Those who make excuses – People who are unwilling to take responsibility for their health.
What if your community isn’t supportive of your health goals?
We’re not suggesting you cut ties with everyone who isn’t prioritizing health, but here’s what you can do:
Lead by example. Become the influencer in your community. Your commitment to health may inspire others to make changes in their own lives.
If people are actively antagonistic or disrespectful towards your health goals, be selective about how much energy you invest in them. Surround yourself with those who lift you up.
2. Environment: Creating the Ideal Space for Health
"Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior." – James Clear
The second critical component of healthy surroundings is your environment, and it’s often the easiest to control.
Practical Tips for Creating a Healthier Environment
Audit Your Fridge, Freezer, and Pantry: You can’t expect to make healthy choices when you’re surrounded by junk food. Get rid of it! Donate or toss it, but don’t let it linger.
Make Healthy Substitutions:
Pasta → Protein pasta, whole wheat pasta, or spaghetti squash.
Granola Bars → Protein bars.
Soda/Juice → Flavored sparkling water or still water.
Opt for low-sugar versions of sauces like ketchup, marinara, and BBQ sauce.
Choose low-sodium alternatives for broth, seasoning, and marinades.
Make Healthy Foods Easily Accessible: Pre-wash fruits and vegetables, portion out snacks like nuts, and make healthy options the easiest to grab.
Prepare Before Going Out to Eat: Check the restaurant menu in advance and decide what you’ll order. Planning ahead helps you avoid temptation.
Ready to Assess Your Health? Take the Uncommon Freedom Health Assessment!
We’re beyond excited to introduce the Uncommon Freedom Health Assessment, a FREE tool designed to help you break through roadblocks in your health journey. The quiz will assess where you fall on the health spectrum—Minimal Health, Average Health, or Optimal Health—and provide you with our top five tips for your category to help you thrive in your pursuit of Optimal Health.
Final Thoughts: How Are You Shaping Your Health Journey?
Creating a healthy environment and surrounding yourself with a supportive community is critical to your health success. Remember, your health journey is unique, and by making intentional changes in both your community and environment, you’re setting yourself up for lasting, optimal health.
Have you taken the Uncommon Freedom Health Assessment? Let us know what category you fall into and how you’re embracing a healthier lifestyle!