Are you health conscious but feel overwhelmed sometimes by all the information that is out there on the web?
“Take this supplement - it will add years to your life
Eat this superfood to get all the vitamins you need
Buy this treadmill, running shoe, weight set, fitness software program, etc.
Take melatonin so you can sleep at night
Come to this spa to ease your stress
Isolate to stay well or join an online community or buy a club membership”
The list goes on and on, taking you away from the idea that you have all the answers within you on how to live a healthy life. You may think you don’t know how to stay healthy because so many messages come through that you need this product or that. But when you get still and really connect with yourself, you know if how you are living is benefitting you or compromising your health and happiness.
Classify & Simplify
To prevent overwhelm in your effort to live a long healthy life, I’ve broken down the essential steps into 5 categories, or pillars. They are each important and essential to good health and happiness. They take attention and focus and consistency, but once lifestyle habits are established anyone can accomplish them . Here are the 5 Pillars:
Nutrition
Simply stated. choose whole foods, prepare them at home, and eat enough in the form of meals, to feel satisfied. If you don’t already know how to cook, take the time to learn. Notice how your body feels when you eat.
Movement
Your body is meant to move. A stagnant body is more likely to develop disease. The energy or chi within you, as well as your circulatory system, muscles and connective tissues, function best when you move. Choose ways of moving that please you.
Sleep
Essential for well being, it’s when the body repairs itself and sheds unwanted cells and other debris. Establish a routine that works for you. Give yourself room in your bed and invest in comfortable bedding. Keep the room airy and free of technology.
Stress Management
Find ways to recognize what stresses you and how your body responds. Remember stress is a part of life and to stay healthy you must learn ways to cope with it.
Social Connections
Humans cannot survive with total absence of connection. Lean toward the connections that raise your energy, make you smile and feel alive.
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Where to Begin
If you read this list of wellness pillars and find it somewhat overwhelming, check through them and choose just one to focus on. It may be one you’re already in good shape with, but want to make it even , more solid and consistent. Or you may choose to put your attention on an area that’s not going so well.
I find for myself that social connections need attention. Covid restrictions limited many social interactions that prior to the pandemic were a part of life - the spontaneous conversations with neighbors, or even strangers on the street or coffee shop. Family gatherings were limited as were physical contacts with work colleagues and social friends. A focus on staying healthy and being careful about hand-washing will make it easier to resume more frequent get-togethers. I love people and need to stay connected so that is my current goal.