By: Dana Neer
Feeling good and living well are ideals we all strive toward. No one ever attains 100% health, but we progress one experience at a time while pursuing balance.
The 10 laws of total health were shared with me a number of years ago by Drs. Tom and Laurie Ousley, owners of Nature’s Best Wellness Center. Holistic health encompasses the mind, body and spirit, building upon all three for continual growth and development. It is my pleasure to pass these thoughts on to you and welcome your input on these subjects via e-mail at the address below.
- Nutrition – The benefits of a good diet are plentiful, chief among them is energy. Fruits, vegetables, healthy carbohydrates, proteins and juices accelerate our energy supply, allowing us to fight fatigue all day. Enjoying a good meal with friends and family is still one of the best activities on the planet.
- Exercise – Six or seven days a week for 20 or more minutes of cardiovascular exercise is what our bodies crave. The best way to ensure success is to plan ahead. Schedule the best time of day and pledge a covenant with yourself. Many times we dread working out, but afterwards we are always glad we have accomplished the goal.
- Pure Water – Sometimes the easiest things to do are also the most elusive. Drinking 4-6 glasses of water a day can make a significant improvement in how you feel. No magic health tricks or punishing penance – just drink more water while eliminating the bad drinks, and watch your energy soar.
- An Attitude of Gratefulness – We have been given thousands of gifts in life to enjoy. I started making a list last week of both small and grand benefits of being a citizen on this planet. My incomplete list currently has over 200 amenities. Wow! Start your list too.
- Fresh Air – Fresh air is pure joy to our cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Inhaling deep breathes also clears our minds and activates many neurological responses, relieving built up stress and tension. Three deep cleansing breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly, several times a day is totally free and always refreshing.
- Sunshine – Soak in a reasonable amount of sun whenever it shines. Research shows we need it. Physically and psychological benefits are numerous. On cloudy days, still plan to spend time outside in the daylight – every little bit helps. p.s. tanning beds do not count.
- Rest – How much rest do we really need? Individual requirements vary, but experts claim 6 – 8 hours of rest per day help us function with mental and physical clarity. I have always sided with the 6 hour timeframe because it represents only one fourth of my day rather than the 8 hour investment costing one third of my day. My personality wonders what adventures I might miss out on if I spent those additional 14 hours per week asleep. I do enjoy sleeping, but I probably need more.
- Trust in God – God knows us intimately and has our best interest in mind. He plans to prosper us spiritually as we trust in his goodness and grace. He never abandons us. He always provides.
- Moderation of all good things - We are blessed to enjoy many freedoms with few restrictions or regulations. Boundaries are wide and spacious as we live responsibly. We need to try and avoid the two deadly extremes – Overindulging our rights or miserly forfeiting the joys of living. Both extremes are dangerous. Striving for balance is our goal.
- Benevolence to our Fellow Man – Our community provides many opportunities to serve and care for those in need. Each of us should take our turn giving, and at times, we may find ourselves on the receiving end too. With a mixture of organized charitable functions and privately helping people in need, we simply give to others because it is the right thing to do.
Each of these focus points are essential to attaining holistic health – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Best wishes to a happy and healthy 2012.
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