In his book, “The 4-Hour Body,” Timothy Ferris asks a great question: “What exactly is health and wellness?” Some people believe it’s simply the absence of symptoms. As in, “I feel pretty good, I must be healthy.” Some assume if they exercise a few times a week, all is well. Others view a number on a scale as their determinant of health. And many believe being physically fit or athletic keeps you healthy. But look at top athletes like Olympian gymnast Shannon Miller developing ovarian cancer, or Lance Armstrong, testicular cancer, or marathon runners that have had heart attacks after a race.
Health is defined as the state of being free from illness or injury. But we all know that health is a triune of mind, body and spirit: Emotional health, physical health, and positive mental well-being. Losing 10 or 20 pounds, training for a race, or doing an intestinal cleanse is a great start but how about you’re the health of your life, overall?
Do you feel like playing with your children or grandchildren? Are you intimate with your spouse? Do you enjoy going into the office? Are you rejuvenated after work? Are you short-tempered? Irritated? Exhausted? Can you walk up a few flights of stairs without feeling winded?
True health and wellness is your ability to function, integrate and participate in this world and in your life with zest and vitality. Health is not so much symptom-related as it is a relationship with your self and your world. Health is agility, grace and joy. Health is harmony with your cells and soul.
Here are 5 steps to creating a healthy life:
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Be present. Commit deeply to the moment. Listen to each and every word to those around you. Look into the eyes of those around you. Stop. Feel the energy of the people, animals, earth, and event around you.
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Nourish. Food is energy. Nourish yourself with whole, alive and high vibe foods such as green leafy vegetables, seeds, and fruits. Slow down and create wholesome and pure dining experiences. Add whole foods like chlorella and spirulina. Drink more water.
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Move. Get outside. Move your body. Stretch, walk, run, jump, hike. All day. Everyday.
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Support. Ask how you can help others. Volunteer. Offer a hand. Donate. Sign-up. Give more. And? Ask for help yourself. Delegate. Share chores. Lighten your load. Like a bridge, supporting and having support is vital to our health and well-being.
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Reduce Stress. Stress creates havoc in our lives. Physically, mentally and spiritually. The best advice for reducing stress? First: Change your point of view. Marianne Williamson said, “A miracle is a shift in perspective.” We become overwhelmed, especially through the holidays, but awareness of what is most important will organize our emotions and check-lists. Second? Slow down. Enjoy the family, the decorating, the shopping, the wrapping, the giving. Make each moment, special. Creating care around each event will slow us down. Rushing less and living more.