Just because you’re not sick does not mean you are, in fact, healthy. And I beg you to not be fooled into thinking so. The simple act of being alive does not equate to good health, and never will it. Did you know that if it wasn’t for modern medicine at least a third of the world’s population wouldn’t be here? Scary isn’t it. That means that one out of every three people you know would no longer exist.
A month or so back a family friend had a major heart attack which eventuated in a triple bypass operation. It was a huge shock to many (not to mention a wake-up call). It happened to the last man we all expected it to. He was very active (for almost two decades he had competed in long distance cycle races), was tall and lean, carried about 8% body-fat (which is very low), was happy and living a cruisey retired life which involved leisurely travel and exploration. He looked a picture of health. Then boom, his life was changed for good.
Sure – he looked healthy, and if you asked if before his life-changing cardiac event I’m sure he would have told you he felt healthy too. But, like everyone else, when we say we feel healthy what have we actually got to compare ourselves to? It’s our own subjective feeling of health, so it’s very difficult to discern how we could possibly feel better if we don’t know any different. As my husband says ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’. We actually don’t realise how much healthier (and more wonderful) we can feel until we actually experience it. Healthy is not not being sick. Being healthy is not just a feeling, but is also the action of taking care of our bodies in every way we can.
We only get one body and one life. You have to live in that body for the entirety of your life. If you had to choose between a dirty bug-ridden shack or a royal palace I know which one you’d choose to live in. Why then, do some of us disrespect and mistreat our bodies? Our bodies deserve the treatment of a king or queen. It’s about time we started looking after them properly.
We need to address our health by applying a more holistic approach to it. It’s not just about eating right and exercising. It’s far more than that. Improving our health using an holistic philosophy means:
- Regular doctor’s visits – there are a scary number of conditions which are silent killers and can only be found in blood tests or by doctor examination.
- Regular dental visits – because if your teeth go bad, it won’t only be your mouth that suffers the trauma, but your bank account too.
- Chiropractic maintenance – you’d be amazed at how many conditions and ailments are results of our spinal system not being at it’s optimum.
- Relaxation, time out, or spiritual time – we live in stressful times. Whether you’re a semi-retired pensioner, a busy working mum, or a company CEO, stress surrounds us. It’s essential we plan a couple of 15-20 minute relaxation (i.e. meditation, beach walk) sessions each week to help us relax, unwind, and regain perspective.
- Massage – stress leads to tension; tension leads to muscle tightness; and muscle tightness leads to chronic pain or injury. Regular massage can release tight muscles, improve flexibility, and flush out nasty toxins.
- Quality time with Friends and Family – set aside time to soak up the love and friendship of those closest to you. Holistic health is about balance. And achieving good balance means savouring and strengthening personal relationships.
- 7-8 Hours of sleep each night – It’s during sleep that our body rejuvenates and replenishes itself. Inadequate quality or volume of sleep will disrupt this essential function and make our stress hormones soar.
- Homeopathic or Naturopathic remedies – You don’t know what you haven’t got until you’ve got it back. The natural approach can be life-enhancing. Regardless of whether your ailments are physical, chemical, or psychological, try the natural approach before seeking medical advice. It may just surprise you.
- And, of course, exercising and eating right!
So make it your goal this year to achieve better health. Make your body one that you really want to live in. Create a palatial atmosphere within your body via using a more holistic approach to your health. And I guarantee you WILL feel better.
For comments email corinne@fitfixnz.co.nz
