Up to 70% of all health disorders have been related to poor lifestyle choices. Making the right choices right now can drastically improve your health and happiness.

In perfect harmony

Mind, body and spirit (or soul) is the essence of man! Keeping these three in harmony constitutes health and happiness and the ability to face all the challenges life may throw at you. The old adage of “it’s all in the mind” is especially true when you have to make healthy lifestyle changes. You and only you have the power to change your life by changing your mind-set and committing to a healthier lifestyle.

Ten smart, healthy lifestyle choices

  1. Take drastic action and dump all the junk food in your home − you can’t eat it if it isn’t there! Restock your fridge and pantry with healthy, nutritious alternatives such as energy-boosting fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains
  2. Decide to eat a basic diet made up of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, as well as meat, fish and eggs. This will enable you to cut through the marketing hype and dietary misinformation and allow you to make healthy food choices quickly and confidently
  3. Plan your meals ahead; set up a menu and make sure you have all the ingredients you need for each recipe. Also have plenty of healthy snacks at hand for when you get the ‘munchies’ for example nuts, bite-size baby carrots and other veggies and fruit, dates, nuts and seeds
  4. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water and other healthy liquids such as herbal and green teas. Staying hydrated not only influences the workings of your physical body but can also have a profound influence on your vitality, energy levels and mental alertness
  5. Avoid eating when distracted or in a hurry. Chew your food thoroughly and do concentrate on the taste, texture and flavour of the food you eat
  6. Make sure you get enough fresh air and vitamin D; seek some sunlight! Sunlight and vitamin D are associated with a wide spectrum of benefits for the body but do avoid getting burnt
  7. Move that body. You have to start somewhere, so get off that couch and just go for a walk. Aim for a total of about 30 minutes of brisk walking every day or maybe even a short run
  8. Exercise is the best way to burn kilojoules and fat and to keep your weight down but it also has additional psychological benefits and is a great stress reliever too. There are so many different exercise options available today that you are sure to find one that suits your temperament. Just about anything goes − from walking, running, dancing, swimming, cycling to backpacking and hiking
  9. Get enough (about eight hours a night) sleep. Sleep has the ability to rejuvenate both the body and the mind and optimal levels of sleep have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic disease
  10. Lighten up. Follow this bit of Irish wisdom and remember that a good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book. Be kind to yourself and others and also remember that the secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, not to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.

 

Sources

Michaels, J. Five healthy changes to make now. Retrieved from: http://www.jillianmichaels.com/fit/lose-weight/5-healthy-changes-to-make-now#slide=1
Pfeiffer, J. 2012. Twenty-one healthy lifestyle quotes to inspire you. Retrieved from: http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/blog/healthy-lifestyle-quotes-to-inspire-you/
Walker, A. 2012. The importance of making healthy lifestyle choices. Retrieved from: http://www.slideshare.net/AadamWalker/the-importance-of-making-healthy-lifestyle-choices