What’s Your Profession? And How Often Do You Exercise?

You know those moments when life hits you with a wake-up call that makes everything else stop? That’s exactly what happened to me recently when I was diagnosed with a herniated disc. But what struck me the most wasn’t the physical pain—it was the first question my doctor asked: “What’s your profession? And how often do you exercise?”

In that moment, I felt exposed. Admitting to him—and to myself—that I’d been neglecting my physical health was tough. It wasn’t just about the diagnosis; it was about realizing how I’d been treating myself. The truth is, I had been putting my body on the back burner while prioritizing everything that felt “urgent.”

The Wake-Up Call

If I’m honest, I always had excuses. “I don’t have time to exercise.” “Work is too busy.” “I’ll get to it later.” Sound familiar? But when the doctor asked me that simple question, I realized how much those excuses were costing me—not just my health, but also my well-being and even my productivity.

He explained that the issue wasn’t just the herniated disc; it was my lifestyle. Sitting for long hours, skipping breaks, and being glued to my desk were all contributing factors. What hit me the hardest was when he said that taking care of your body isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about living better, with more energy and joy for the things you love.

The Cost of Neglect

What I didn’t realize before was how much ignoring my body was affecting my ability to work and function. The constant aches, the fatigue, and even my lack of focus on simple tasks were all warning signs I’d been brushing aside. It’s ironic—while I thought I was “saving time” by skipping exercise, I was actually losing more than I could imagine.

Now, I understand that movement and productivity go hand in hand. It’s not about spending hours at the gym; it’s about finding small ways to incorporate movement into your day. Even the smallest steps can unlock energy you didn’t know you had.

And You? How Are You Taking Care of Yourself?

I know life can be hectic, and it may feel impossible to add one more thing to your day. But trust me, taking care of your body isn't a luxury—it’s a necessity.