How many readers at this moment feel, well, not of optimal health? Do you keep pushing yourself because missing work is not an option and everyone from family, friends and whomever depend on you?
The hours in the day do not cover all that needs to be done before the day starts over again. Physical and emotional energy plunge daily and the body is left to recharge on 3 to 5 hours of sleep or less; then you push the reset button and repeat. Add in over-the-counter or prescription medications, drive-thru or microwave meals and all sorts of preservative-laden energy drinks and the sky’s the limit.
The question of concern is: “How long can you continue doing this?”
As a health professional, I care deeply, so I educate people in the meaning of health and well being. These words are synonymous with a balanced lifestyle of goodness. The importance of a health-conscious, proactive lifestyle brings benefit to all facets of life. Pretty much when the body balances from within, life aligns without the distraction of body discomfort.
How many realize the lack of proper nutrition and hydration is self-abuse? Without proper, consistent food and water, the body suffers at the cellular level. Some survive, but many are taught to believe from one generation to the next that the experience is “the way it is.” When a family is predisposed to ill-health, they continue to move through life expecting their own demise because so many family members have these chronic illnesses.
Great health is achievable if one moves beyond family discomfort or ill health and focuses on a life of balance.
- First, advocate for yourself.
- Take charge of your health
- Know how your body feels.
- Know what is important to maintain yourself at optimal health and wellness.
- Question your doctor to be clear which medications, surgery and medical test are necessary to regain and maintain your health.
- Ask if there alternative holistic options to diminish side-effects and minimal invasive procedures.
Next, exercise is key, as movement is a fundamental to increasing circulation.
- Craft the best exercise strategy for yourself by researching the many books, articles and other information available.
- Decide if a gym membership, personal trainer, an accountability partner, or going it alone the best option for you.
- Maintain a commitment to get up and get moving several times a week to enhance good health.
- Regular exercise decreases stiffness, increases flexibility, and improves respiration and helps the body to function cohesively from day to day.
Frequently when the topic of water enters a conversation, many substitute other liquids, ignoring the crucial impact water has on the body. The body is 60 to 70 % water and its systems depend on water to function properly. However, water shouldn’t be in the form of alcohol, soft drinks, caffeine, juice or whatever else comes up. Research shows at least half of one’s body weight in ounces is a good measure for daily hydration. Great indicators of poor hydration are dry skin, lips, nails and hair and the color of one’s urine. The next time constipation is an issue, think: how much water and natural fiber is in my diet?”
This next step is so vital, consider this a shout from the mountain top:
EAT TO LIVE.
Acid-alkaline, pH balance is underrated in our society. Disease and discomfort cannot thrive in a pH-balanced body. Living on fast food, fried, packaged, denatured foods and animal products leave so many in a constant state of physical distress, that it has become the norm. So many conditions thrive from the lackluster choice of “living to eat” instead of “eating to live.” A choice to move toward a healthy lifestyle is a choice of improved nutrition. After a recent workshop centered on food healing, I highly recommend the book “Conquering Any Disease”, by author Jeff Primack. This book is an A-to-Z list of foods and their phytochemical elements that heal various conditions. In my opinion this is one of the best books on food healing. In addition, a cookbook and smoothie book are available for purchase at www.food-healing.com.
Finally, I encourage all to include therapeutic bodywork. The healing touch of the right touch is found to encourage the body to release the stressors from life. Energy is bound in the cells and the negative flow on the body is evident in soreness, tense, tingling and tight tissue under the skin. Blocked energy manifests itself in the form of disease and discomfort and to ignore these conditions lends itself to an unhealthy lifestyle. Should one not be accustomed to bodywork and shy away from removal of clothing, or perhaps the idea of touch from a stranger, seek a professional.
Discuss with them the area(s) of concern. I recommend CranioSacral Therapy as a therapy of choice which allow the body to self-correct and balance itself through the touch of trained hands. Infants to adults benefit from the release of tensions in the tissues. In order to move the body to balance and optimal health, a journey to wellness may well be on target using a few of the steps mentioned in this article.
The key to better health and wellness is knowledge, eating to live, exercise, hydration, sleep and bodywork.
DISCLAIMER*** The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We make no medical claims and make no statements of validation. Always consult with your professional health care provider before beginning any health care regimen.
Brenda Wakefield, MS, LMT, LMTI, CEP offers proactive massage and touch therapies and initiates the body’s natural healing ability after injury. Start feeling better today, call her office at 214-380-9700, or her mobile phone at 469-955-6530. Learn more about the therapies she provides at www.handsofchoice.com. Schedule an appointment in the DFW area at http://styleseat.com/brendawakefield. Find her ad in The OffBeat Business Magazine.
