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The Principles of New Start
Our human bodies are marvelously designed and very robust, but will fail under constant exposure to abuse. Majority of the diseases we suffer today are brought about by the unhealthy lifestyle choices, which in turn form habits, then, go on to form our characters.
Our characters are, all said and done, what we are. Generally, these choices and habits are brought on by the feeling one has to submit to peers of the day and follow accepted practices of society, often without understanding their hurtful consequences.
This article brings some simple rules that bring better health and happier living when applied in your life and in many cases, because of the willingness of nature, will undo much of the damage already done.
N-E-W-S-T-A-R-T: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine Temperance, Air, Rest, Trust in Divine Power.
Nutrition
When a car is made, the company that manufactured the vehicle prints a service manual to go with it. This prescribes the best fuel and oils for the machinery in that car, to keep it running in the best possible condition.
In the same way, we are like machines that need good fuel to run well. Certain foods will make the best kind of blood, muscle and bone in our bodies.
To keep us running well, we need to choose our foods wisely and keep our diet well balanced with the four main food groups: Fruits, Grains, Nuts and Seeds, Vegetables.
It is healthy to start every day in the morning with a good, healthy breakfast including:
• Oats, rice or porridge
• Milk – coconut or soy
• Fruits – Apples, pears, bananas, pawpaw, oranges, etc.
At midday, a good vegetable meal with:
• Starches – like potatoes, bread and grains
• Protein – which is in beans, nuts and seeds
• Greens – cabbage, silver beet, spinach, parsley, etc.
• Colours – carrots, pumpkin, cauliflower, beetroot, etc.
For the evening meal, a light fruit meal with a little grain, like cracker biscuits. The light evening meal should be eaten at least two to three hours before going to bed.
It is also important to eat meals at regular times and not to eat in-between meals at all, as our stomachs need to rest as well. It is well recommended to have some raw salads with each meal also, as this aids digestion.
It is possible to have too much of a good thing. We need to have an understanding of the word “Nutrition”. It means to eat foods only that are good for building our bodies and eat them in moderation, at the right time. Fatty foods tend to store as fat which increase the risk of disease and make us more sluggish.
Eating a good hearty breakfast, a good-sized midday meal and a light tea, gives us the fuel we need at the right time when we need energy. It also helps to keep our bodies in good shape and helps in weight control.
If a good-sized meal cannot be eaten at midday, it would be wise to have more in the morning, rather than have a large heavy meal late in the day. This can result in disturbed sleep, not waking up refreshed in the morning and an unhealthy cycle can soon develop.
Some foods are not good for our well-being. Alcohol, smoking, coffee and drugs are very harmful. Lollies, canned drinks, ice creams, cakes made with a high sugar content are also dangerous for our health.
Harmful effects may not be noticed straight away, but over a period of time, our immune system will begin to fail. This will increase the risk of diseases and may result in damaged organs and even death.
Eating too many sweets and sugary foods makes unhealthy blood and they are not good for building strong healthy tissues and bones, etc. By not eating between meals, it reduces the temptation of eating sweets.
If there is need to eat something sweet after a meal, a piece of fruit would be so much better. Acid fruit like an orange or similar are best after a vegetable meal.
EXERCISE
If someone has just broken an arm or a leg, it needs to be put into a plaster cast for six – eight weeks, so that the bones can knit back together and heal properly.
When the plaster is removed, it can be easily noticed that the limb that was broken is smaller, paler, weaker and stiffer than the other limb that has had frequent use.
The joints of the broken limb will not move as freely as the good limb and it could be more painful to move for a time. ONLY EXERCISE WILL BRING IT BACK TO GOOD USE AGAIN.
…to be continued
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced, high-achieving society, it’s common to glorify long hours and an unwavering commitment to one’s profession. However, when dedication turns into an obsession, it can have severe and far-reaching consequences.
Workaholism, a pattern of behavior characterised by excessive and compulsive work habits, is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
Defining workaholism: The Psychology behind the behavior
Workaholism is often driven by a combination of internal and external factors, including:
Internal Pressures:
Perfectionism: an unrelenting drive for flawlessness
Fear of failure: anxiety about not meeting expectations
Need for control: a desire to micromanage every aspect of work and life
External Pressures:
Job demands: high expectations from employers or clients
Organisational culture: a workplace environment that encourages or demands excessive work hours
Societal expectations: pressure to succeed and maintain a certain status
The health consequences: A growing concern
Prolonged workaholism can lead to a range of serious health issues, including:
1. Cardiovascular problems: hypertension, heart disease, and stroke due to chronic stress and neglect of physical health
2. Mental health concerns: anxiety, depression, and burnout, often exacerbated by lack of social support and self-care
3. Sleep disorders: insomnia, sleep deprivation, and related health issues, such as impaired cognitive function and mood disturbances
4. Immune system suppression: increased susceptibility to illnesses, such as colds, flu, and autoimmune diseases
5. Nutritional deficiencies: poor eating habits, weight changes, and related health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease
The lethality risks: A hidden danger
In extreme cases, workaholism can have lethal consequences, including:
1. Sudden cardiac death: increased risk due to chronic stress, hypertension, and neglect of physical health
2. Suicide: work-related stress and pressure can contribute to suicidal ideation, particularly in individuals with underlying mental health conditions
3. Accidents and injuries: fatigue and decreased cognitive function increase the risk of workplace accidents and errors
The social and emotional toll: Relationships and identity
Workaholism can also have devastating effects on personal relationships and overall well-being, leading to:
1. Strained relationships: family, friends, and colleagues may feel neglected, abandoned, or resentful
2. Loss of personal identity: over-identification with work can lead to a loss of interests, hobbies, and sense of purpose outside of work
3. Decreased productivity: burnout and decreased motivation can result in reduced job performance and satisfaction
4. Impaired cognitive function: decreased creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities due to chronic stress and fatigue
Breaking the cycle: Strategies for recovery
Recognising the signs of workaholism is crucial to preventing its negative consequences. Strategies for overcoming workaholism include:
1. Setting boundaries: establishing a healthy work-life balance and prioritising self-care
2. Prioritising self-care: engaging in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and social connections
3. Seeking support: therapy, support groups, and social connections can provide emotional support and guidance
4. Re-evaluating priorities: reassessing values and goals to align with a more balanced and fulfilling life
Conclusion
Workaholism is a serious issue that can have severe and far-reaching consequences for individuals, organisations, and society as a whole. By acknowledging the risks and taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance, we can mitigate the negative effects of workaholism and promote overall well-being.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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How many times have we not made New Year resolutions but have not been able to achieve them?
When we are unable to achieve them we vow to ourselves that at the end of the year, we shall make proper New Year resolutions and this time we will make it happen only for the New Year to travel on and close to the end the story repeats itself.
A lot of people find themselves in this situation and if they were to rate their success, it may hover around 48 per cent. There is a popular quote that is generally attributed to Einstein that” Insanity, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
“A careful analysis will most likely reveal that, the discipline required to put in the required effort and the consistency required is absent in the execution phase of whatever plan has been put in place to realise the objectives.
Discipline according to the Oxford Dictionary is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, with punishment or other undesirable consequences for those failing to comply.
When we say someone is disciplined, what can be observed in his behaviour is consistency whether it is in connection with reporting for events on time, providing a particular service as promised on schedule etc.
In other words, that behaviour has become routine or has become a habit. If 2026 is going to be different from the previous years, as far as the achievement of New Year’s resolutions are concerned, then things must be done in a routine manner which will then ensure consistency.
If the resolution is say a closer walk with God by the end of the year for example, then the plan may be to sleep early enough and be able to wake up at say 5:00 am and pray and meditate on the Word of God.
This must be done every day, that is, you should have the discipline to make this routine behaviour which some people refer to as habit and that is what would ensure the realisation of your objective by the end of the year.
The question of how did you arrive at your new year’s resolution becomes very important. It brings in the God factor, which for me as a believer is very important because if you are say an Entrepreneur, then innovate ideas are what you need and according to Deuteronomy 8:18, innovative ideas to get wealth comes from God.
I believe that to be able to achieve our new year’s resolutions, we must approach them with a project management mindset. We should break the year into periods, either quarterly or monthly and evaluate our performance.
The end of the periods we have chosen should mark the achievement of certain goals or key milestones. This will reveal to us whether we are on track, whether we need to double up or there is the need to adjust certain things.
This year start looking at potential hindrances to the achievement of your resolutions. Check how much time you spend on social media for fun, like following the Akosua Serwaa and Odo Broni story and not for learning something useful that can add value to your life.
On a personal level, I have started cutting the time spent on listening to news and debates on various media platforms and using the time to polish my German and French as one of my resolutions.
Yours may be the time you spend on the phone chatting with friends, so please watch it and adjust especially as a child of God, so you too can have a testimony to share on December 31, 2026, to the glory of God. God bless.
NB: ‘KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
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