10 Tips for Better Health and Freedom in your Body/Mind/Spirit

Top 10 Tips for Better Health and Freedom in your Body/Mind/Spirit:

by Dr. Saskia Lytle-Vieira

1 ) Eat foods that support your health.

Choosing foods that support your health is extremely important. Perhaps in the past you have chosen foods that do not support your health. If so, ask yourself what it will take for you to begin choosing foods that will support your health.

2 ) Take some time each day to rest and let your mind be quiet.

Even if it’s just two minutes intentionally “doing nothing” each day, allow your body and mind to hit a “red light” and take a break.

3 ) Make yourself a priority.

If the idea of making yourself a priority seems ridiculous because of all the commitments/responsibilities you have to your spouse, children, family, friends, boss, etc, think about how much more effective you will be at helping them when you are well-nourished, rested, and taken care of.

4 ) Acknowledge and release the emotions and experiences of the past as much as possible.

This may take years. If needed, get professional help.

5 ) Place a high priority on getting high quality sleep.

Restful sleep is a cornerstone of good health. If there is something you can do to get a better night’s rest that doesn’t involve sleeping pills or taking alcohol/drugs, do it. This may mean buying a larger bed so you and your partner can sleep better, or even sleeping in separate rooms due to snoring or different sleep/wake schedules. Avoid naps if you have insomnia.

6 ) Make moderate physical exercise a priority in your daily life.

There is no “perfect” exercise for everyone. The “perfect” exercise for you is the one you will do on a regular basis. Whether it’s walking on the treadmill, cycling, swimming, jogging, or some other exercise that raises your heartrate, exercise is at the core of a health.

7 ) “Get rid of the garbage in your mind”

If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself or your body, ask yourself “is this thought helping me or hurting me?” More often than not, these thoughts are hurtful, and creating a negative environment for your body/mind/spirit to function in.

8 ) Eat more meals at home that you have cooked yourself from scratch.

Find healthy, delicious recipes at www.eatingwell.com

If cooking every night is not an option for you (as is the case for many people), cook from scratch on the weekends and make enough to last you the work week. That way, you have a (hopefully) healthy meal ready to heat up when you get home from work.

9 ) Read the labels on the foods you buy and aim to eliminate high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated ____ (fill in the blank) oil(s) and margarine from your diet. Try to eat as few “processed” packaged foods as possible.

10 ) If you don’t buy it, you won’t bring it home and you won’t eat it.

When doing your food shopping, only put items in your cart that support your health. Once you bring a food home, it is much harder not to eat it. If you must have those chips/cookies/candy, etc buy the smallest bag/portion available, instead of the larger size. That way you get a small “sample” of the food you want, without having the opportunity to overeat.