What does it mean to “be well”?
Chances are, we all have our own thoughts, goals, and definitions for “wellness” (although yoga is probably somewhere on the list) and yet, it is something we are all seeking in some way, shape or form.
So no, there isn’t an easy definition of wellness.
That being said, there absolutely are easy-to-implement actions we can ALL take to infuse our lives with a greater sense of things like health, sustainability, fitness, connection, compassion, kindness, and truth. Plus greens. There’s gotta be greens.
Here are 9 Easy Steps Towards a Lifetime of Wellness:
Begin a gratitude journal. It is very important to have an attitude of gratitude. We all have our things that we can complain about. I’m too fat, my husband doesn’t love me, I hate my job, I’m not making enough money, etc. You get the idea. Let’s pause for a second and think, how does that make you feel? Not so great, right? Complaining really just brings more to complain about, so let’s change our attitude. I am thankful for my daughter who picked a flower from the garden and gave it to me. I am thankful that my mom made me dinner tonight. Now you are getting the idea! Even if you feel there is a lot going wrong in your life, there also has to be something good, so please focus on that!
Eliminate sugar from your diet. Sugar causes inflammation in your body which is the perfect environment for cancer and other illnesses. Your diet should consist of mostly veggies, good fats (not fast food!) and protein. Good fats include coconut oil, olive oil and avocado. Consume lots of leafy greens including kale, spinach and lettuce. Make yourself a large salad for dinner followed by protein. Fish and chicken are very good choices for protein. Try to buy organic whenever possible to avoid hormones and pesticides. Fruits are good for you! They have so many healing benefits. Please don’t let the sugar in fruit scare you. It is processed differently than the sugar in a piece of cake. Experiment with different vegetables and fruits. Visit your local farmers market for more variety and recipes. Some farmer’s markets even have organic beef and chicken for sale. Support your local farms!
Do something enjoyable and fun every single day. Life can be monotonous and boring if we let it get that way. Wake up, go to work, take the kids to soccer practice, make dinner, clean up the house, pay bills, go to bed, get up the next day and repeat. Yikes, I’m miserable and exhausted, what happened? `Think about what you love to do and make time for it, even if you think you don’t have the time. We all have the same 24 hours and you deserve some time for yourself! Go take a walk and look at all the pretty flowers. Go to the mall and buy that new dress or new shirt that makes you feel great about yourself. Go to the beach for the day and enjoy the smells and sounds of the ocean. Do whatever makes you feel good and alive. Go jump on the trampoline with your kids. They know how to have fun!
Just in case you are falling asleep let’s talk about SEX . Ok great! Now that I have your attention, I understand that you had a long day at work and you’re too tired. Anger and resentment can build up which can cause disease in your body. Orgasm releases endorphins which bring you all these good feelings and helps to heal your body. You and your partner need that release and connection. Plus your lives will improve greatly, so go and enjoy yourselves! You can thank me later! For tips on sex and intimacy and how to bring that fire back, my book is available here.
Read the labels on your skin care products. Our skin is the largest functioning organ on our bodies. What we put on our skin matters as much as what we ingest. Our skin absorbs most substances that are put on its surface. Harmful chemicals that are found in 98% of skin care products can be detected in your organs in about 68 seconds. Think about things like the nicotine patch, which easily release nicotine into your body and bloodstream. Consider avoiding products with substances such as mineral oil, lanolin, petroleum and toluene. I recommend botanically based products that are free from harmful chemicals, dyes and animal by-products. Arbonne is a company that I highly recommend for personal care products.
Read, listen to CDs and attend seminars for personal development. Even though we may not like it, change is inevitable. It is important to continue to learn and grow, for change will guide you closer to your goals. What’s important to you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you like what you see? If the answer is no, then maybe it’s time to make some changes. It’s your life, so you have the power to design and live the life of your dreams and desires! Here is a book I highly recommend that helped me completely transform myself. The Manual 4 Life can be referred to on a daily basis to guide you in solving everyday problems more efficiently and effectively.
Get off the couch. What are you really accomplishing there anyway? Our bodies are not designed to stay stagnant. Exercise actually gives you more energy, it does not make you more tired. So, get up and surprise your dog with a nice walk. We are not talking long hours at the gym or 45 minutes on the treadmill. This is all false information. You don’t have to kill yourself to be in be in great shape. Try doing Tabata on a regular basis which can give you results in a short period of time. I promise you; your body and mind will thank you!
Practice self-care! Surprise, you should not come last after the kids and the dog. You are a very important person! Look at all you have accomplished and achieved over your lifetime. Are you telling me you do not deserve to be cared for? Unfortunately, a lot of us do feel that way. The big problem with this is that if you give and give but don’t take care of your needs, eventually you will burn out. Once your cup is full it is easy to give with an open heart and then everyone benefits! Some suggestions include taking a yoga class, going for a massage, even soaking in your hot tub for 10 minutes by yourself. Read a book in the hammock without interruptions. If someone tries to get you to do something tell them, you will be with them as soon as you are done, or it is ok to tell them no.
Keep your body, mind and spirit in alignment. What does this mean? There are many integrative modalities available to help keep your body happy, pain free and healthy. This equals less illness, decreased pain, less headaches, less trips to the doctor and less medication put into your body. Please visit your chiropractor, massage therapist, acupressurist, etc. on a regular basis. I also work with aromatherapy oils which can do amazing things for your mind and body!
Jennifer Hodgson is a holistic Registered Nurse. Her passions are preventative medicine and alternative healing. She is a published author, alternative practitioner and public speaker. After much research and trial and error she was able to heal herself from depression and an auto-immune disorder. Now she is dedicating her life to helping others find health, balance and peace. She can be contacted through her website www.balanceforbodymindandspirit.com
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