Last week we talked about the importance of laying a Wellness Foundation to make 2012 your best health year yet. While the first five steps create a good foundation for good health, these final five steps will help redefine your lifestyle.
1) Commit to exercise – There are several articles about the benefits of exercise. However for many the challenge is in adhering to an exercise schedule. But setting up an attainable system throughout the week and committing yourself to it works wonders. Seek out other exercisers who are like-minded in their goals. Force yourself to participate in at least 10 minutes of exercise a day. Choose activities you find enjoyable. Start slowly. By changing your exercise habits one at a time, you will put yourself on the path to a happier, healthier you.
2) Engage the outside world – Much of health is being in touch with your body’s innate wisdom. Connecting with the natural world forces you to slow down and reconnect with those around you, with your body, and with the outside world. Start taking weekend hikes with your family or visit the parks or arboretums in your city. Even adopting a garden or houseplant can be a great way to connect with natural things.
3) Keep your finances in check – Health is more than just tending to your physical needs. Nurturing a healthy attitude toward money is a huge part of maintaining holistic health. Research has found that financially related anxiety increases the risk of depression and other physical disorders. Take time this week to review your household budget and establish a spending plan you can stick to. If the thought of creating a budget overwhelms you, consider hiring a professional financial advisor to help you.
4) Focus on your spiritual life – Another aspect of health is being attentive to the spiritual pursuits of life. Though dismissed for many years by the scientific community, recent studies have shown that investing in spiritual pursuits lengthens life, reduces blood pressure, and decreases your overall likelihood for disease. Slow down and allow yourself time for prayer or meditation. Keep a journal or volunteer at a local charitable organization. You’ll be amazed at the way this improves your overall sense of wellbeing.
5) Adjust your attitude – There are many aspects of life out of our control: circumstances, others’ actions, calamity. What is within our control, however, is the attitude we have toward these occurrences. Studies have shown that those who hold pessimistic attitudes are 19% more likely to die early compared to those holding optimistic attitudes. Optimists have also been shown to have better health in general. As you enter 2012, take care to evaluate which activities and people trigger “toxic” thoughts in your life. Taking care to eliminate these sources can greatly improve your health.
Question: What other lifestyle changes have you used in the past to create a healthier you? Do some work better than others?
