Taking Care of Your Body & Mind with Simple Habits
Your body is your vessel… be kind to it.
It's no secret that taking care of our bodies and minds is essential for achieving balance. But how can we do this in a way that is enjoyable and sustainable? As a mindful Meditation Facilitator and Life Coach, I understand the importance of caring for our bodies and minds and have practiced several ways to do so myself.
In this blog post, I'll share some of my favourite tips for taking care of your physical and mental health. By incorporating these simple practices into your life, you can create a healthier and more balanced life. Read on to learn more!
"Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become."
James Clear, Atomic Habits
Start your day with a warm cup of water and lemon.
Replace caffeine with a cup of warm water, freshly squeezed juice from half a lemon, and one teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. This will help with digestion, metabolism, and liver health. It's also hydrating and alkalizing, unlike caffeine which is acidic and dehydrating. Caffeine also puts a strain on the liver and increases cortisol levels, which can lead to difficulty eliminating toxins or burning fat.
Note: Unfiltered apple cider vinegar is the only vinegar that is alkaline-forming to the body. All other kinds of vinegar are acid-forming, so be sure to use the right one!
Drink clean, filtered water throughout the day.
Your water should be at room temperature or warm so your body doesn't have to expend energy warming it up before it can be hydrating and beneficial. It will also help flush out toxins and increase elimination. Hydration is essential for vitality and health; after all, we're made up of 75% water. If you're bored of regular water, try infused water! Some of my favourite combinations are strawberry and mint, peach and sage, and cucumber and basil.
As important as it is to drink plenty of water, it is also important to ensure that the water you drink is filtered and contains minerals for proper hydration. Water that has gone through a filtration process such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters removes contaminants and minerals from the water, making it safe to drink. However, without the minerals, the water can be less effective in providing adequate hydration. Therefore, it is important to add minerals back into the water to ensure proper hydration. There are a variety of ways to do this, such as using mineral drops, adding a pinch of Himalayan salt, or using a water filter that includes a mineral cartridge. Drinking filtered water with minerals added back in is essential for proper hydration and overall health.
Enjoy a delicious, nutritious juice made with freshly-juiced carrot, beetroot, celery, ginger and lemon.
Not only is it an amazing energy booster, but it's also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, giving you the perfect energy boost to help you get through your day. Plus, it's so tasty that it's hard to believe how healthy this juice is - it truly is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. Whether you're looking for a pick-me-up in the morning or an afternoon snack, this juice is the perfect way to make sure you're getting the nutrition you need.
Avoid Sugar.
Instead, replace sugary drinks with herbal teas that are packed with antioxidants and can be very satisfying. My current go-to teas are peppermint and vanilla but there are many other varieties available to choose from. If the weather is too hot for hot tea, why not make a large batch and store it in the fridge for a cool, refreshing drink? Not only will you benefit from the health benefits of herbal teas, but you can also enjoy the variety of tastes available. A great way to make your herbal teas even more delicious is to add some fresh fruit or spices, such as cinnamon. Being mindful of your sugar intake and making sensible swaps like this can make all the difference to your health and well-being.
Snack on activated walnuts.
Snacking on activated walnuts is an excellent way to satisfy your hunger and give your brain a boost. Walnuts are a food that has been around since prehistoric times and are packed with brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are rarely found in other sources of food and help to stimulate the brain and nervous system, making them an ideal snack choice for those looking to improve their cognitive functions. Plus, they taste great!
Activating raw nuts and seeds simply means soaking them in filtered water. This process helps to remove the natural enzyme inhibitors that are present, making them easier to digest. When soaked, nuts and seeds become more nutritious and their taste is improved as well. Soaking also helps to reduce the phytic acid content, which can block the absorption of essential minerals, and it also reduces the number of anti-nutrients that can be harmful to our bodies. The best way to activate nuts and seeds is to soak them in filtered water overnight or for at least 8 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can soak them for a minimum of 4 hours. Once soaked, drain the water and rinse them before eating or using them in recipes. Activated nuts and seeds are a great snack and an excellent addition to any meal.
Chew!
Chewing is an essential part of the digestive process, and it has far-reaching implications when it comes to your overall health and well-being. Not only can it help you maintain a healthy weight, but it can also help reduce waistline circumference. When you eat, try to chew each bite at least 30 times. This not only ensures that the food is broken down properly, but it can also help you savour the flavours of your meal. Additionally, it can help you to slow down your eating, allowing you to be more mindful of when you are full, thus helping to prevent overeating. Chewing your food thoroughly is an effective way to improve your health and ensure that you're getting the most out of every meal.
Get some exercise.
There are so many great ways to get your body moving. Going for a walk on the grass or beach is a great way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D, and also can be a very calming and peaceful way to connect with nature. Doing some yoga, or stretching, can help to release endorphins and improve your mood, while also boosting your immune system. And if those activities don't sound appealing, there are plenty of other great options like dancing, running, cycling, swimming, and even playing sports. No matter what kind of exercise you choose, you'll be sure to feel better.
Journal.
Take 5-10 minutes each day to sit down with a blank journal and write your stream of consciousness. This is like clearing the cobwebs in your brain, creating space for more positive and productive thoughts. Seventy-five to ninety-five percent of the illnesses we experience today are attributed directly to our thought lives. It's not only the food we consume that affects our physical and emotional well-being, but also our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. This has led to an epidemic of toxic emotions, where negative thoughts and feelings can have a detrimental effect on our health and well-being. These emotions can manifest in physical and psychological symptoms and can be very damaging if left unchecked. It is therefore essential that we strive for a positive thought life, one that is focused on self-care and kindness towards ourselves. Only then can we start to create a healthier and more balanced life.
Use affirmations to boost your motivation and create more positive vibes in your life.
Writing down a few affirmations on a Post-It note and placing them in highly visible places like the fridge or bathroom mirror is a great way to remind yourself of what you want to achieve. For example, one of my favourites is, “Take action, live with purpose, and be grateful.” This helps keep me focused on my goals and encourages me to keep going no matter what obstacles I may face. Repeating these affirmations throughout the day can be an effective way to remind yourself of the positive things you want to achieve and keep yourself motivated and on track.
Read what inspires you.
Choose a few articles from blogs and websites that you find inspiring and read them throughout the day. My favourite sources of inspiration are usually written by Bob Proctor. He is probably one of the most inspirational and transformational speakers of all time and has been inspiring people for decades. His lessons, strategies and ideas are timeless and have been the driving force of self-improvement for many. He has a unique way of delivering his message that is both motivating and uplifting. I would highly recommend taking some time out of your day to read some of Bob Proctor’s work and see how it can impact your life.
Dream Big!
Everyone has dreams of what they want to accomplish in life, and making a list of your goals is a great way to keep those dreams alive. Write down three big goals that you would like to achieve, such as completing a degree, starting a business, or travelling to an exotic destination. Additionally, make a list of three small goals that you can work on right now, such as getting organized, learning a new skill, or reading more books. With these six goals written down, you can work on them one by one and you will be closer to achieving your dreams.
Make a vision board.
It's an amazing way to stay focused on your most important goals and dreams. Gather images from magazines, and the internet, or even draw your pictures, and arrange them on a board or in a folder. Spend some time looking at this board every day, and visualize the goals and dreams it represents coming to fruition. Studies have consistently demonstrated that when you take the time to imagine in detail what you want to achieve, it can help make your dreams a reality. Visualize it often, and you will be surprised at how quickly your goals can become a reality.
Take a luxurious bath.
An indulgent experience that you deserve and will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Use all the extras to take your bath to the next level: indulge in the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy, create a soothing atmosphere with non-toxic candles made from soy wax, beeswax, or vegetable wax, and add some bath bubbles or bath salts to make it a truly luxurious experience. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind after a long day or want to treat yourself to a special moment of self-care, a luxurious bath is a perfect way to do it.
Laugh!
Whether you reach out to your best friend, watch a funny TV show, or even look up funny animal videos on YouTube, laughter can be a great way to help boost your mental health. Not only can it help to lift your spirits, but it can also help to reduce stress and bring a sense of joy and happiness into your life. Laughter can even help to release endorphins, which are hormones that can help to improve your mood and give you a sense of well-being. So don't be afraid to have a good laugh now and then - it could be the best thing you've done for your mental health today!
Use lavender.
Diffuse lavender essential oil in your main living area or bedroom to help create a calming atmosphere. Put a few drops into your bath to help you relax and reduce stress when you hop in the tub after a long day. You can also spray your pillows before bedtime to help you drift off to sleep more easily. For an extra bit of relaxation, consider infusing a little bit of dried, organically grown lavender into your favourite drink. Try adding it to your lemonade or hot chocolate to help reduce stress, while also giving your beverage a unique, fragrant flavour.
Practice gratitude.
Developing an attitude of gratitude can help put things into perspective and lead to feeling more content with life. Make it a habit to express gratitude for the things and people you have in your life. Journaling can also be used to reflect on your day and write down all that you are grateful for. This can bring clarity and focus to your life and open your eyes to the beauty and abundance that exists.
At the end of the day, we all want to live a healthy and balanced life. Taking care of our bodies and minds is essential for achieving this balance, and it doesn't have to be complicated. By incorporating some of these simple habits into our lives, we can start to create a healthier and more balanced life that is enjoyable and sustainable. So take a moment to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and give yourself the love and attention that you deserve. With these simple tips, you can unlock balance in life and start living the life you have always dreamt of.
