As I press the snooze button after staying up too late, I hear the soothing ‘Om’ chants from the next room where my 14-year-old son meditates before his morning run. Reflecting on how long it would take to burn off an extra leftover mince pie, I roll over in contemplation.
Our household often feels like a scene from Absolutely Fabulous. My teenage son rises at 6:30 am to indulge in meditation, exercise, and even an ice bath before school. Unlike me, who surreptitiously hides a 4 pm doughnut, Arthur strictly adheres to a regimen of gym sessions, face masks, hydrating with gallons of water, and consuming only ‘healthy’ foods. Indulging in treats like cookies is out of the question for him, as his post-school snack of choice resembles a nutritious fruit salad straight out of a Jamie Oliver recipe book. Meanwhile, I guiltily enjoy my sugary indulgences, discreetly tucking away a doughnut behind a cushion.
Arthur’s lifestyle stands in stark contrast to the carefree days of my youth in the 1980s, where physical fitness took a back seat to socializing, clubbing, and indulging in unhealthy habits. While I dodged physical education classes and prioritized leisure over exercise, Arthur dedicates himself to personal growth and mentorship, embodying the ethos of hard work and self-improvement instilled by his online role models.
The shift in generational attitudes is evident as Arthur focuses on honing his entrepreneurial skills through business studies and mentors younger students, offering guidance and support. In contrast, my attempts at fitness were driven by a desire to offset my love for coffee cake, salt and vinegar crisps, and the occasional glass of Prosecco.
During lockdown, Arthur embarked on a fitness journey that transformed his physique, thanks to daily workouts, walks, and a newfound commitment to health. While I struggled to maintain the same level of dedication post-lockdown, Arthur’s discipline and determination paid off, resulting in a physique that garners attention from admirers.
As my role transitions from the primary caregiver to a supportive observer, I witness my sons’ generation embrace a holistic approach to health, prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical fitness. The open dialogue surrounding mental health issues and the availability of support services represent a significant departure from the stigma and silence that characterized my own struggles with anxiety in the past.
In adapting to this evolving landscape, I strive to embody Arthur’s commitment to self-improvement by incorporating elements of his routine into my own lifestyle. From challenging myself with cold showers to reviving HIIT workouts and exploring dietary changes like intermittent fasting and kefir consumption, I embrace a newfound sense of wellness while cherishing my little indulgences, like a secret stash of sweets.
As I embark on this journey of personal growth and well-being, I am inspired by Arthur’s dedication and resilience, recognizing the value of adapting to change and embracing a healthier lifestyle, one step at a time.