Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live…. Jim Rohn
Taking charge of and staying strong this 2019 also involves your physical well-being. More often than not, we create resolutions for the New Year but forget to include our physical, mental, and emotional health. To function as happy, productive individuals, we must take care of our bodies, keep all negativity out of our heads, and maintain healthy relationships.
- Nutrition: Watch what you put into your body: what you eat makes a huge difference when it comes to your physical wellbeing. Our bodies are designed to process natural plant-based foods much easier than meat proteins or processed foods. That’s why you’re less likely to feel bloated after a vegetable salad as opposed to after eating a heavy, starchy meal. Our bodies are made up of over 70% water, so we need to stay hydrated. Water may not taste as nice as sweetened drinks, but it’s so much better for your body than the sugary stuff. As much as possible, reduce your food portions and increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables you eat during each meal. Beware of smoothies sold in stores as a lot have added sugar. Go easy on the shop bought salad dressing as well especially if they’re mayonnaise based as the calorie content is higher than an oil-based dressing. If you can, make your juices, salads and dressings at home by yourself so you get to eat less processed food and more natural food.
- Exercise: When it comes to your body muscles, it’s a matter of use it or lose it. Working out regularly helps to keep your body in shape as well as keep a lot of diseases at bay because your muscles and other key body parts are doing what they were designed to do in an efficient way. You really don’t need a gym to be physically active: try taking 30 minute-walks every day, get a yoga mat and practice some yoga. You should do some form of exercise at least three times a week and remember to always stay hydrated.
- Sleep: Try to get as much sleep at night as possible – the experts say at least 6 hours of sleep is needed to give the body time to recuperate and repair itself from the wear and tear of the day. Lack of adequate sleep on a consistent basis is quite dangerous and can affect your mental and physical health.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity: The same way you don’t want to have toxic food in your system, you shouldn’t have toxic people around you. Your relationships can also affect your physical and mental wellbeing. Maintain relationships that are positive, helpful and challenge you to be better. Avoid negativity and ‘glass half-empty’ people.
- Healthy Thoughts: Your thoughts eventually become your actions, so be careful what you allow yourself to dwell on. Surround yourself with things that are enlightening and inspiring. Engage like-minded people for stimulating conversation. Always try to maintain positive thoughts about yourself and your environment, as this builds confidence and makes you less likely to give in to the naysayers.
