How does the concept of proportionality fit with self-care? Proportionality is “the fact or
quality of being in proper balance or relation as to size or quantity, degree, severity,
etc.” This question was raised while we were writing this week’s volume of The Zone
and will be addressed throughout this volume.
Continuing our discussion of lessons learned from the research in the Blue Zones, this
week’s lesson is “Wine at 5:00.” Practiced by four of the original five Blue Zones in the
world, and while the health benefits of moderate wine consumption are known, we
believe that the health benefits of this practice go beyond that of the wine. While much
of the research has focused on red wine and its ingredient resveratrol, other wines are
also showing benefits to our longevity and health.
Our interpretation of “Wine at 5” is about learning to compartmentalize or how to
practice proportionalism in one’s life. The global staffing firm of Robert Half found that
remote workers are working longer, spending time in more meetings and having to keep
up with more communication channels than before the pandemic. Additionally, they
found that 70% of the workers surveyed stated that they are working weekends and
45% of the workers were working more hours during the week then they had previously.
Like water, work, if not contained, will go everywhere.
“Wine at 5:00” indicates the conclusion of the workday. For the purpose of this
discussion, the workday is defined as the time proportion of the day dedicated to
“doing.” For the rest of the day, we switch off the “doing” and switch on the “being.”
Being present with self, family, friends, and our environment. This is where
proportionality entered our discussion.
The “Wine at 5” lesson teaches us what the power that the balancing of “doing” and
“being” has on our overall quality of health and longevity. Furthermore, these
centenarians practiced these lessons throughout their life and not only when it was
convenient.
Key Takeaways
Proportionality is important in all aspects of our life.
“Wine at 5:00” is more than just the wine.
Too many hours of “doing” just might drown you.
“Wine at 5:00” is about moderation.
Best Practices
Respect and secure the time proportioned for “being.”
Seasonally reassess your “being” time.
Connect with others that are near and dear.
Things to Limit
Sleeping at the switch.
Whine and Jeez.
Not keeping your plate proportional.
Quote of the Week
“Self-Care is, fundamentally, about bringing balance back to life that has grown
imbalanced from too many commitments or responsibilities”
~ Robyn L. Gobin
Continual reflection on the lessons learned from the Blue Zones, allows us to maintain a
balance throughout our lifecycle. It is natural to find ourselves overwhelmed and out of
sorts and it is the action of working through it that we achieve mastery of a better life
balance.
Be well,
The paraDocs
Check our Welcome Greeting on YouTube
The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
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