Week 28 Blog- Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

Let us begin with what health and wellness are.

Health and wellness are simply defined as, ‘the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.’ Oxford online dictionary. This is a simple definition and shows wellness to be an active pursuit of optimal health. Although health and wellness are words used interchangeably, they are different…

‘Health is a state of being, whereas wellness is the state of living a healthy lifestyle. Health refers to physical, mental, and social well-being; wellness aims to enhance well-being.’

Meaning that wellness is not just about being healthy and free from illness. It is about looking at your whole self and how it contributes to your health and happiness. Pursuing wellness is choosing to create a lifestyle to enhance the wellbeing of every area of your life- mental, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and physical health.

When you focus on wellness, your physical health becomes a priority, not just a “maybe I’ll work it in if I have time” attitude. Your health should be a key reason to focus on your wellness routine. Remember- wellness is the pursuit of good health for your whole person or being. Your mental health affects your physical health and vice versa. Every part of your life is intermingled. A healthy lifestyle will improve every area- mental, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, socially and physically. Give up the excuses and embrace these reasons to incorporate a healthier lifestyle:

1. You will live longer-

Eating healthy with nutritionally dense foods, hydrating, getting the appropriate sleep and taking care of your whole body will add up to your overall health and well-being. When you add exercise, you will reduce stress and anxiety that comes from all areas of your life. Choosing the right foods can increase your life expectancy simply because it impacts your immune system. When you increase the level of nutrients in your body with a balanced diet, cut down the bad fats, added sugars and empty calorie foods AND raise your antioxidant level you increase your defense system against infections and those “wild child” free radicals. Your body and gut microbiome will fight the common and sometimes fatal diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and cancer. While genetics play an important role in determining the chances of you getting them, a conscious effort on your part to fuel better and exercise – MOVE regularly will protect your organs and keep your engine running properly. You will have increased energy to do the things you want to do. You will also have a healthier appearance with glowing skin and hair and will look fitter and firmer. WOO HOO!! Now that is great news! A healthy way of living will give you a better-quality lifestyle. This will increase your confidence and excitement about contributing to this world. You have so much to share with those around you!

2. You will look happier-

By reducing stress and anxiety, your mood will improve and you will have much more happiness and excitement in your life. Being healthy from inside out will improve your emotional state where you can actually see things from the brighter more positive side. Feeling great about yourself is the key to living a more abundant, happy and confident life. With happiness you will fight stress better. Endorphins that are created when you exercise has a calming effect on the body and mind. It makes you a happier person in general.

3. You will become more confident-

When you fuel right and exercise you will start feeling good about your body. That confidence increases every time you look at yourself in the mirror and see the changes that are happening slowly. Maintaining a healthy and fit body can really boost your self-esteem and confidence. When you look good outside, you start feeling amazing inside too. You begin to shine in all areas of your life-at home, at your workplace and when you are out with friends. This is not an arrogant demeanor, but a belief in yourself that you can accomplish goals step by step.

4. You will be stronger-

As your heart and muscles gets stronger from regular cardiovascular exercise, stretching and strength training, you are shaping your body to better proportions as well as increasing your strength. This is important for your core (center of your body-abs) because it stabilizes your body and protects you from injury. It also has a positive effect on our balance which is important now and as we age.

5.You will inspire others-

When you start feeling great about yourself and your body there is no way you cannot motivate other people around you to do the same. Your friends and your family will see the changes and may start asking questions on how you have succeeded in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When you are happier, excited and confident, other people will see it can be done and may be inspired to make changes to their lifestyle as well. Each time you exercise and include a healthy snack in your fueling plan you are an example of what success looks like. We need to consider that our actions in terms of what foods we eat and how often we exercise are a huge influence on the wellness of the younger generations- our kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces. There is no greater good than to be good role models for the younger generations.

It is clear that focusing on wellness is going to make massive change in your life. Remember that wellness is the state of living a healthy lifestyle. Wellness is important because it not only improves your physical health it actively improves your mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Focus-

1. A healthy fueling plan- nutrient rich foods, feed your gut microbiome (prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics), less fast foods- more family cooked meals, smaller portions with vibrant colors and lean proteins, fiber rich foods. Planning is the key!!

2. Hydrate your body with water not high sugar content drinks, empty calorie energy drinks or fluffy drinks.

3. Exercise- MOVE - turn off all screens and do something a little more physical with your family. Play games, take a walk, do almost anything that will be more active than sitting on the couch. This is great quality time with the family.

4. Sleep- 7-9 hours per night. Stick to a sleep schedule, watch late night snacking and exercise, turn off your screen early, give your body a chance to rejuvenate with sleep.

5. Be thankful, grateful and kind. Our world is lacking all three.

6. Be a positive difference maker in this world.