Tips for optimal health
To achieve optimal health requires actioning a series of health promoting activities. Here are 10 tips that if we do most of them every day, will give you good health.
When was the last time you savoured a moment? To savour something means enjoying it, appreciating it, and paying complete attention to it.
Go on, give it a go.
Choose an activity and linger over the pleasurable, positive aspects of the experience. Your senses will thank you.
The words we use are paramount to good health. Science tells us that words are so powerful that they can influence how our genes express and control our physical and emotional stress. This is a tricky one because we are so biased to the negative. Despite this, start watching your words and see how much calmer and happier you will be.
Studies have informed us that fasting from time to time can increase our lifespan, reduce ageing related diseases, switch on genes that repair damage in the body, and help the brain grow more resilient. Of course, it’s always advisable to check with your health professional before starting a fast.
Cognitive and emotional fitness is also about what we put into our mouth. Drinking enough water every day is important for a hydrated body and brain. Having enough good fats is essential e.g. extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, fish, seeds. Avoiding sugar as much as possible as it contributes to inflammation and a host of diseases. And getting enough vitamins, minerals, protein, and carbs from whole foods rather than processed foods.
Try this for a week and see how good you feel.
Science tells us that adults need approximately six to eight hours sleep each night. Sleeping leaves us feeling refreshed, energised, and clear headed. During sleep, many brain functions are restored, brain connections are built, and many body functions are improved.
Sleep hygiene strategies before bed include: A warm shower or bath, a sleepy tea, write down and discard any busy thoughts, a calming book, no caffeine, dim lights after dark, reduce the use of technology after dinner.
Focusing on our goals can get us the results we desire. When we focus, the reticular activating system (RAS) is switched on and filter’s incoming information in the direction that is our focus. Try it.
The simple steps include:
i) Write down your goals eg. I intend to …
ii) Visualise and write down the outcome you expect.
iii) Write down in point form all the relevant action you need to take to get your outcome.
Research shows that if we feel good about ourselves, then we can have a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. We would be less stressed, less anxious, and less depressed.
The simple answer is to reinforce our positives such as our strengths, what we are good at, and our attributes.
Contributing to others has been a human pursuit since forever. In fact, it’s a human need to contribute to others and when we do it gives our lives meaning, purpose, and fulfilment.
Research has shown that it improves our physical wellbeing, helps us live longer, improves how our brain functions, and reduces depression and anxiety. Find your smile through giving back in some way.
Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. It’s one of the best things we can do for our bodies because we are designed to move and be on the move. Our sedentary lifestyles today don’t do us any favours.
So get your walking shoes on, your gym gear, or get on your bike for an endorphin hit!
LAUGH A LOT. The research on laughter dates back decades. No matter how sick we are, if we are laughing we feel fantastic. If we are laughing everyday we are flourishing because it lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, boosts our immune cells, and releases endorphins.
