Good health is so much more than simply eating right and taking regular exercise. Good health is about the whole person. It encompasses every aspect of you … the individual.
Hi and welcome. It’s a pleasure to spend time with you on this important subject. It can save your life if you understand the need to take care of yourself and your health.
When you think of ‘good health’ what images are conjured in your mind? Do they include mental, spiritual and emotional exercises?
|
When you think of ‘good health’ what images are conjured in your mind? Is it those sweaty sessions in the gym? Hitting the streets or the local park for a jog? Maybe it’s those long, sometimes mind-numbing laps of the pool. Whatever those images of good health might be, do they also include mental, spiritual and emotional exercises?
Good health is a total mind, body and spiritual process. For general wellbeing, it’s important to take care of all aspects of your life. There are many ways to improve your health. Here are just a few for consideration:-
- Regular exercise
Exercise on a regular basis is imperative if we are to maintain any semblance of good health and balance.
- This need not be strenuous. In fact, as we get older it’s important not to overdo the exercise routine. The body will never thank you for injuries, strains and stresses. Don’t make your exercise too vigorous; try and make it fun;
- Have a goal in mind: Whether that’s a specific weight you want to achieve or a specific suppleness and flexibility. Perhaps you want to learn a new sporting activity or just get out in the fresh air;
- If you’ve not previously been involved in exercise or it has been a long time since you’ve had any, it’s important to speak to your medical practitioner and have a complete physical before you embark on any exercise regime. Once you’ve done that, the next step is to seek the assistance of a fitness professional who can tailor a program for you. That means attending a registered fitness centre and being guided by the advice of the professionals;
- Without that advice and assistance, you run the risk of injury and even worse. Build up slowly and be mindful of any injuries or ongoing pain/discomfort.
- Good Nutrition
In this fast-paced world in which we live, it becomes too easy to make the excuse that time isn’t on our side. That’s a really hollow and unsupported argument which ultimately, is detrimental to our health.
No matter who you are or what impacts you, it’s important to find time to eat properly. That doesn’t mean you have to source a nutritionist to prepare meals for you. There’s so much information available in the internet that with some study, you can carefully plan a meal program for yourself and others.
- Before you embark on any kind of diet, it is important to have a check-up by your medical practitioner to ensure you are not taking on something which could be detrimental to your health and wellbeing;
- Be guided by the information provided by the professionals;
- In simple terms, it’s easy to begin to introduce more fruit and vegetables into your diet. Cut out unnecessary fats and don’t overeat;
- Avoid junk food whenever you can. Restrict the amount of takeaway you consume and balance your diet where possible;
- Substitute water for sodas and alcoholic beverages. Try to consume at least 2 litres per day. It flushes your various organs and hydrates your system;
- Ensure you have six monthly check ups with your medical practitioner to ensure you’re on the right track. If you don’t feel well certainly seek advice as soon as possible.
- Meditation
Meditation is a wonderful practise which is shunned by many people for a variety of unsupported reasons. It’s thousands of years old so not some new age phenomenon; it’s not a fad and above all, it’s not a useless exercise.
- Meditation is simply quiet, introspective time. We allow the mind to wander free and unencumbered by stress, negative or unimportant thoughts. It’s a way to calm the mind and ultimately improve wellbeing;
- It enables us to get our thoughts into order;
- When we practise regularly, we feel better and can see so much more about our lives is far greater clarity;
- If you can spend 15-30 minutes each day in a meditative state, it has been proven to aid mental acuity and encourage good health. It can invigorate you and open brand new pathways in the brain.
There are many different ways to meditate and they all invite the same qualities. Don’t think of it as a chore or a difficult exercise. Find one which resonates with you and begin slowly. Build up to a routine so it becomes second nature.
The following is a simple step to begin the process of meditation:
- Find a quiet place, darkened if possible;
- You can either lie flat or sit in a comfortable chair, with your feet on the ground and your hands resting in your lap
- Take ten deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth;
- As you breathe, clear your mind of all cluttered thoughts. It might take time but persevere;
- As you gain experience and feel more confident, begin the process of filling your mind with positive thoughts and images and hold them;
- Continue for 15-30 minutes.
When you combine these three aspects of health enhancement, you will begin to notice much greater improvement in your life. Make sure you have regular checks with your medical professional to ensure you’re on the right track. If you have any doubts and fears, make sure you pay your medical practitioner a visit.
I have no doubt your life will begin to improve as it impacts positively across all aspects of your personal and professional lives.
Imagine the possibilities …
—
This post is republished on Medium.
—
Photo credit: Shutterstock