We focus on the things we see, the "not-enough" or the "too-much". We force and teach ourselves to follow fad diets, deprive our bodies, then when we fail we punish ourselves by even more deprivation or another vigorous exercise regime. We treat hair, nails and skin with expensive products and treatments, but have you ever stepped back, away from the mirror and thought, what can I do to improve my appearance and health from the inside out?
By reminding yourself that our cells, the building blocks of our bodies, are connected to nature and to the universal flow. They know what to do. You're not barking orders to your body how to grow taller, how to heal after an injury, or how to grow a baby—you just trust it knows better than you.
There are however a few things you can do to show your body the love and consideration it requires to help heal and improve its potential.
Protect The Body And Promote Clean Eating
Many health issues derive from poor food choices, mostly over decades, but also in the short term. That is why there is never a bad time to establish a healthy eating foundation, focusing on energy and nutrients, not calories.
Simple ways to promote clean eating are by cutting down on bad sugars, avoiding processed foods, eating good fats and whole foods, loading up on fresh produce and drinking plenty of water.
Snacks
Eating on the run often involves poor nutrition, unnecessary packaging, and inadequate digestion time, which can leave you more tired and run-down. Making time for your own needs will lead to having more energy for your busy day, and more importantly, not having to spend your valuable resources and time recovering from the results of unwise food choices, therefore carrying healthy snacks is an incredibly helpful day to day tip.
Be Aware
Become aware of which foods are most likely to be handled in ways that are detrimental to your health (pesticides, chemical additives, irradiation, and genetic engineering) and eliminate them from your diet, or opt for organic produce where possible.
It is not just what physically put into your body, but other ways chemicals enter your life too. Household cleaners, detergents, and even toothpaste can contain additives that are potentially detrimental to your health, and the health of your loved ones, especially children and pets who are more vulnerable, even the familiar products we take for granted. Exposure to chemicals in the workplace or in department stores can be significant. Indoor pollution is often a greater concern than outdoor exposure.
Supplement
Ensuring your bodies cells and tissues are nourished with vital vitamins and minerals supports optimal function, to allow healing to occur biochemically and physiologically. Deficiency symptoms such as fatigue and coldness may require nutrients and hormonal balance, along with a more nourishing diet. While congestion and toxicity problems like headaches, allergies, aches and pains, along with digestive maladies can be helped by detoxification via herbs, nutritional support and a more cleansing diet.
Cut Down On Alcohol, Caffeine & Smoking
We all know the downsides that come with alcohol, caffeine and smoking, however if you’re going to drink, try a glass of red wine which is richer in antioxidants, or vodka with tonic water and fresh lime. Aim to consume no more than 2 cups of organic coffee per day. Herbal teas such as green tea are also great, as they are natural energisers full of antioxidants.
There is not really any preferable alternative to smoking, although vaping is now an option, but there is inconclusive evidence to prove if this is actually any less harmful than cigarette smoke, one thing is for sure though, smoking and drinking can delay recovery, impair wound healing, and suppress your immune system, so either cutting back or illuminating them from your routine are advisable.
Sleep
A lack of sleep can play a crucial role in your body’s ability to heal itself. The body works endlessly to repair and regenerate, and a lot of this happens when sleeping. When we’re at rest, our body’s energy is being used minimally just to sustain involuntary functions such as heartbeat and breathing, which allows the body to direct more of its energy to restorative and healing processes. It can be difficult with our hectic lifestyles, but adults should aim to get eight hours of sleep per night. Children between 3-12 years should get between 10-12 hours.
Exercise
Keeping active is not only crucial for our physical appearance, but also for mindset and vital for good circulation and a strong immune system. A balanced daily and long-term program should include activated such as stretching for flexibility, aerobics and cardio for endurance, plus weight work for strength. Yoga and other flexibility-enhancing movements are helpful for the mind and youthfulness, some say "we are only as young as our spine is flexible," and there is a lot to be said about this.
Mindfulness And Self Care
While it’s not always easy to take time for yourself, self-care is the foundation of wellness and good health. Our culture doesn’t encourage putting yourself first, but if you don’t take good care of yourself, who will?
Discovering the many dimensions and mysteries of our humanness can be quite an adventure. Many people have bad habits, self-destructive behaviour because they feel victimised by life and don’t feel deserving of love, health, good food, and other ways of nurturing and pleasuring themselves. Sometimes, the number one thing we can do is to heal our attitude towards self and life, your body will reward you.
You only have one life, one body, it's not a dress rehearsal, so treat it in a loving and respectful way. If you can really feel and believe this, naturally you will begin to eat better, exercise more, learn to handle stressor better, and have a new and different approach to life.
Talk more Or Journal
Being aware of your own cycles is a key knowledge to acquire and use throughout life in regards to personal choices, activities, diets, etc. How did you feel last year at this time, and what were your dreams then and now? If you talk and journal about these things, you’ll have some reference for yourself and this will help you learn and treat your symptoms. For example, if you notice a change in your behaviour due to seasons, you may suffer from S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder,) which is when the Winter weather affects your mood so much that you feel depressed. If you are aware of your feelings and emotions you can at least explore options to help yourself, after all, fear and sadness is the enemy of wellness.
Laughter
It's true, laughing can improve your health dramatically. It relaxes the whole body, boost immune system, realises endorphins, protects the heart, burns calories, lightens mood and helps you live longer.