Having thought long and hard about my own physical well-being, I have come up with some principles that I believe are necessary for optimum health.
1. Breathe deeply – every day spend some time in a comfortable place doing some deep breathing. When you find yourself sitting at your desk daydreaming about a nap – sit up straight and take 10 or 15 slow deep breathes. Oxygen is an absolute necessity for good health. It keeps our brain alert, energizes our cells for their regeneration and it assists in fat burning. I put forth the thesis that the main reason so many of us are over weight is that we do not breathe well. We suffer from chronic fatigue at the cellular level.
2. Choose as many of the foods you eat in their natural state. A potato should look like a potato not like dried, powdered, flakes. An apple should look like a fresh piece of fruit not like a “fruit roll-up,” and so on. If we eat food as close as possible to its natural state, we get the most benefit from it. Our bodies are organic, living things and so should what we eat be organic, natural things. I really believe that a lot of obesity comes from our bodies not knowing how to digest a large percentage of the processed food we put into it.
3. Get out and move. Not everyone is a track star, not everyone wants to or can work out in a gym each day. But the majority of us can do exercise of some sort even if its nothing more than taking a simple walk each day. I know what it is like to have physical limitations – sore joints, arthritis, and a back injury; however, I also know that all of these things are made better by getting exercise and getting your weight under control if you have weight issues. If all you can do is get dressed, walk out your front door and down to the corner and back – do it! You will feel a huge sense of accomplishment for having done so. If you do that simple thing everyday, eventually you can walk around the block, then a few blocks, then a half-mile, then a mile and so on. If you are so obese that you cannot get up out of the chair – there are programs such as “sit and be fit” that can help you start doing exercises right where you sit. Doing even this simple movement can help your body in ways you cannot imagine.
4. Sleep regular hours. I cannot stress this one enough. Sleep affects our memory, our physical stamina, our reaction times, our body’s ability to heal and to digest food. Rest is a necessary part of good health. The findings of a recent study show that the average American gets far less sleep then they need. This really has a negative impact on quality of life. If you do not have the time to get 8 hours of sleep a night, you have too many activities on your calendar. It is time to ask yourself why you are running a rat race for a life. The only thing an overbooked calendar is good for is beginning the cycle of burnout and chemical or alcohol abuse. Why do that to yourself? Clear your calendar and make time for the things that really matter: your relationships, dinner at a table with your whole family, conversation with your partner or spouse, time with your kids, time in the relaxed atmosphere of home with friends. When people are near death, they often regret all the “real stuff” of life that they missed by attending clubs, meetings, games, working late, hanging out at bars, etc. Why not arrange your life so you do not have regrets about what you did while you were here?
5. Eliminate as much Refined Sugar and Flour products from your diet as possible. No one is saying “NO” to sweets. What I am saying is try using honey, molasses or other organic none refined sugars where you can. They are far easier for your body to process, and will not cause fast spikes in blood sugar. Consider your food choices that contain refined flour wisely. Limit them as much as possible. If you want to eat bread, I suggest organic “sprouted wheat” bread that is flour free; it is a whole food that is good for your body.
6. Spend some time in the produce aisle, if you see something that looks interesting that you are not sure how to prepare ask the produce person for some suggestions. Or just purchase the fruit or vegetable and look it up online when you get home!
7. Water. “The human body is approximately 70-80% water by weight, with 99.5% of all molecules containing water. Research has revealed that our brain is 74% water, our bloodstream 83%, kidneys are 82%, muscles 75%, and even bones are comprised of 22% water. Water is the delivery system that carries nutrients to the cells, maintains energy production, and removes toxic wastes from the body. Water is the most basic and important biological factor sustaining living organisms. Life as we know it originated in water and cannot exist without it. Biological processes including circulation, digestion, absorption, and excretion depend on water to function properly. Water is the foundation of the blood, lymphatic system, healthy skin, and muscles, while it also regulates body temperature and lubricates the joints and internal organs. Drinking quantities of water can greatly ease the pain of degenerative diseases. As you mature, it is vital to pay attention to water consumption. By the age of 65, there is a 10-15% loss in cellular water capacity. Water acts as chemical messengers carrying vital elements such as oxygen, hormones, and minerals to all parts of the body. Many health problems can be significantly alleviated by increasing water intake. Dehydration is often the root cause of many illnesses and can actually produce pain in the body, resulting in symptoms that are misleading, mimicking particular disorders that can be quickly and easily remedied by the most basic of life giving substances – water.”
“You’re not sick – you’re thirsty!” From “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water” by Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.
There is nothing I can add to that.
8. Laughter. It has been said, “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” Short of Morphine, nothing works better at alleviating pain than laughter does. Over the years, there have been many studies done that show that a lot of laughter each day helps the body heal and regenerate faster. The fabulous thing about laughter is that it does not matter what the source of inspiration is: cartoons, old comedy programs, funny stories, reading a joke book, or telling funny stories with friends. They all work equally well at reducing tension, increasing our oxygen levels and changing our mood.
I wish you the best of good health on your journey through life. Please write to me and let me know what is working for you!
