At 42 years of age, I’ve managed to keep the grays away.
Some would say it’s genetics (perhaps).
I say it’s because of three principles that I decided long ago that I would live by.
Three principles that continue to provide me with more health and less stress.
And not just physical health either, but mental health (peace of mind) as well.
Studies clearly show how stress depletes the body of certain cells responsible for hair color.
We often joke when we see a president take office with little to no gray hair and then leave office 4–8 years later with a full head of gray or white hair.
Same goes for buddies of mine who’ve had kids.
And while I’ve never been president of the United States or have had children, I have had my share of stressful experiences over the years.
Losing my dad to lung cancer at the young age of 57.
Going through a divorce.
Loosing thousands of dollars in failed business ideas and ventures.
Stressful times to say the least.
But you know what.. life happens.
And it will continue to happen.
I can’t always control what life gives me, but I can control how I respond.
And it’s how I respond and continue to respond that’s responsible for keeping my stress in check (and the grays).
How you ask?
First, by exercising regularly.
There is no better remedy for me than exercise to alleviate stress and frustration.
Second, being mindful of what I focus on.
Keeping the focus on me and what I can control versus on the problem being “out there” and what I can’t control.
Staying focused on my own progress.
My own growth and success versus worrying about what others are doing, what they’re saying, and how they’re living.
In other words, I don’t play the comparison game.
The only person I’m interested in comparing myself to is who I was yesterday, last week, last month, last year, and getting better as I go.
Third, being grateful for all I have.
Focusing on what I do have versus what I don’t.
In the presence of gratitude, fear and anger cannot co-exist.
Stress = fear and anger.
Gratitude = happiness and fulfillment.
I’ll take the latter please.
More in this episode of my Mornings With Mike podcast.
You’re awesome…
Cheers!
Mike
