I have spent the last two years focused on getting and staying healthy and taking care of my body. The results have been amazing. I have lost weight, sleep better, and I have gotten off of the blood pressure medication I had been taking.
While I think most of us want good physical health, I think time sometimes just gets away from us. Our days are packed with so much, and by the time we get home, we are too tired to do anything but vegetate. Then in the morning, when the alarms goes off for us to get up to exercise, we are too tired and opt for that extra sleep.
However, taking care of our bodies and physical health is so important. Our bodies are temples of God after all. So what are some simple ways to take care of your body?
Drink plenty of water
While I prefer a tall glass of cold ice water, it is recommended that water be warm or at room temperature. With cold water, your body uses energy to warm it up, which delays the water actually hydrating. I hear a lot of people say that water is boring. Try adding in strawberries, mint, cucumber, or lemon.
Meditate
We have so many voices and thoughts racing around in our heads, and we have so many distractions. We are, unfortunately, very connected to the Matrix. It would be helpful to find 15 minutes each day to just focus on breathing, clearing the mind, and relaxing. Meditation gives us time to slow down. If we are constantly on the go, we are never quite in the present.
Sleep
Not getting enough sleep is dangerous. It is recommended that you get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. While you are sleeping, your body is repairing and taking care of itself. Be sure to give your body time to do what it’s supposed to do, especially during those times your body is fighting sickness.
Eat right
Make most of what you eat count. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, and choose healthy snacks like almonds and cashews. Avoid processed foods, which are high in salt, sugar, and fat. In my mind, the longer the shelf life, the scarier the product. Seriously, I don’t want anything in my body that will still be “fresh” long after I am gone. Obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes are the result of poor diets, which correlates with high weight.
Eat slowly and enjoy your meal. Give your body time to know that you are eating. They say it takes time for your brain to register that you are eating. If you are done too quickly, your brain has not gotten the message. I know I am guilty of speeding tickets while eating. Here’s to slowing down!
Exercise
Exercise not only helps you lose weight, it also helps relieve stress. 20 minutes of walking each day could do wonders. And remember, it doesn’t have to all be at once. Walking 10 minutes during a morning break and 10 minutes during an afternoon break would do the trick. Each time you take the stairs or park far from the entrance, you are adding in a little bit of exercise, and every little bit counts!
Listen to your body
The bottom line is to listen to your body. If you are tired, sleep. If you are hungry, eat (good food). If you are sick, rest. If you feel pain, address it. The body is connected. Pain in one location could be the result of a problem somewhere else.
Please join me in a journey to better health. We not only want long life, we want a healthy life with good quality. Remember your body is a temple to be treated with care, respect, and love.
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