Would you consider yourself a healthy individual if you ate all the right foods and exercised on a regular basis, but still suffered from insomnia? The intricate link between our physical, psychological, and emotional self is a mystery we are yet to fully unfold. However, with the help of the most recent discoveries, we have realized that this connection runs deeper than we could have ever assumed.
We now know that we need balance in every aspect of our life for each of its constituents to be considered truly healthy. Your vital body provides a strong basis for a resilient soul, and your inquisitive mind is a well of growth for your changing body. So, let’s see how you can adapt your lifestyle to enrich this holistic connection through individual daily choices!
Embrace serenity
When everyday stress starts building up and taking its toll on your wellbeing, it’s high time to introduce a relaxation strategy to help you cope. One of the most effective ways to beat stress is through daily meditation, which has been proven not only to soothe your mind into enjoying the present moment, but it also has holistic implications on your health.
This mindful practice is known to help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation in your body, improve your mood and memory, and it helps lessen and prevent various types of pain. These are just some among many benefits of meditation that are not momentary, but long-term for your overall physical and emotional wellness.
Keep your body and mind agile
Although most of our physical activity is based on our desire to stay in good shape, the all-around impact of exercising spans beyond good looks. When you work out on a regular basis, your body gets a surge of happy neurotransmitters, such as endorphin, which is responsible for improving our mood.
Daily physical activity ensures that your metabolism and circulation are in good health, but it also pushes your mind to be more agile, so you become able to think faster and be more creative. Joining a dance class, for example, also has a learning curve that wards off degenerative brain illnesses, in addition to being cardio-friendly. Whichever is your workout of choice, it will make sure that you build up your emotional and physical resilience over time.
Tailor your own healing menu
Due to the fast pace of modern life, we are often tempted to reach for unhealthy foods for the sake of convenience. However, finding the time and patience to opt for nourishing meals with diverse ingredients is the foundation of health. As around 80% of our immune system is located in our gut, keeping it happy and healthy is vital to our overall well-being, and certain ingredients are particularly beneficial for gut health.
Think a variety of antioxidant-packed fruits and veggies, lean protein sources, ample fiber, and essential fatty acids such as omega-3. However, there are ingredients we often neglect, but they can completely transform our health. For instance, the spicy curcumin is a potent natural medicine for pain relief. You can use it as a spice in your meals, drink it with milk as a remedy, or in the form of a supplement. Garlic, on the other hand, may not possess a pleasant fragrance, but it is a powerful immune system booster that should be a part of your daily nutrition.
Change the way you think
Starting a meditation practice is a wonderful intention, but this mindset should extend to your entire life to reap all of its benefits. If we spend most of our time immersed in negative self-talk, we only impose more stress on ourselves, which leads to more cortisol (the stress hormone), more inflammation, and more illness. The idea that our bodies respond to our thoughts is not a new one, but we often fail to implement this simple principle into our lives.
Recognize the situations that lead you to feel anxious, to think poorly of yourself, or events that drain your positive energy. Find your coping mechanisms to stop the negative thinking and shift your focus to something more positive, uplifting. Negative emotions can have a disastrous effect on our health, and no amount of healthy food and exercise can diminish the damage. Your thinking goes beyond leading to high blood pressure – it shapes your perception of yourself, and ultimately your ability to heal.
Nurture healthy relationships
Spending time with loving, caring people in your life has a healing effect on your wellbeing – it soothes your mind, balances your hormones, leads to a feeling of purpose and fulfillment. On the other hand, toxic individuals challenge this inner peace, which often results in getting sick, or ruining your mood.
Cultivate rewarding relationships with people around you for your body and mind to thrive. These are the people who will inspire you to make healthy choices, enjoy your authentic self, and they will encourage and support you when you encounter difficulty. Once you spend time in an environment that breeds love and respect, your own physical and emotional health will begin to thrive!
