In a perfect world we would all be eating the right food, exercising, sleeping well and just generally enjoying life.
In
the real world most of us manage a percentage of the healthy lifestyle
and muddle through as best we can with the rest of it. Part of the
problem is we are encouraged to think, mostly by the media, that we
should be doing everything possible towards a healthy lifestyle, all of
the time. For most of us this is just not possible.
Constant
concern about what we should or shouldn't be doing causes our stress
levels to go up and that negates any good work that we've done. Yes, we
should certainly try for a healthy lifestyle, but the two key words are
"moderation" and "balance". By applying these criteria to achieving a
healthy lifestyle we won't be beating ourselves up for failing another
diet or dropping out of the latest exercise regime.
A common
mistake that many people make when they decide to adopt a healthy
lifestyle is to try to do too much too soon. They then give themselves a
guilt complex when it all falls apart. It is also easy to be influenced
by others, when we should only be adopting a healthy lifestyle plan to
suit ourselves.
Ah! Did I say lifestyle plan? Do you have one, or
do you just try the next thing that is in your magazine or Sunday
supplement? By all means read these articles and take them into account
as you plan how you want your healthy lifestyle to take shape.
Leading
a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean you have got to run a mile before
breakfast, eat seeds and think pure thoughts. Great if that's what you
want, but for most of us "healthy" means being in reasonable shape,
eating our fruit and vegetables and generally having a feeling of
vitality.
Decide on your definition of a healthy lifestyle, and then plan a strategy that works for you.
As
part of my health plan I decided I wanted to walk in the mornings
before breakfast, but there was no way I wanted to get up at the crack
of dawn to do it. So I planned a ten minute circuit that includes a
short flight of steps and a not too steep incline. I power walked that
route every day and felt really good. Sure l wouldn't make the City to
Surf marathon, but I compromised and made it work for me.
Today,
much is made of organic foods, but the reality is that organic food is
generally more expensive and well out of the range for most budgets. Yes
organic is probably the best option, but it doesn't mean that if you're
not eating all organic you are not eating right. If you're concerned
about general produce, be a bit discerning when you shop. Look for
fruit and vegetables that are fresh and unblemished. You should also buy
product brands that you can trust. If you shop wisely, you can have a
well-balanced healthy diet that won't break the bank.
Basically
living a healthy life means looking at your lifestyle as a whole, it is
not just about diet and exercise. It is not always necessary to make
major changes. Most people know their weak spots, and are happy if they
can make a few changes that show results.
A friend of mine was
drinking several cans of soft drink a day. She was feeling tired and
generally under the weather. When I read an article about the health
risk of soft drink I copied it and gave it to her, whereupon she decided
to give up the soft drink there and then. A week later she got back to
me and said she couldn't believe the difference, her energy levels were
up and she was feeling great. Just that one change was able to make a
difference and she feels good about the healthy choice.
Sleep and
leisure time play a big part in a healthy lifestyle, and for the most
part people underestimate the value of good sleep. Our bodies aren't
designed to operate at peak performance twenty four hours a day. Anyone
in industry knows that machines that have to work continuously need a
lot of maintenance. When we are sleeping our body is healing and
regenerating itself and we should wake up feeling refreshed and
revitalized.
We can go without sleep for extended periods, but we
can't do it indefinitely. The amount of sleep an individual needs
varies a great deal, and there is no such thing as the right time to
sleep. Obviously most people sleep at night, but if you are one of
those folk that comes alive in the small hours, you might need to catch
up with your sleep during the day.
A big part of healthy living is
being comfortable with yourself. Don't be pressured into trying to
attain a certain look, or push yourself down a career path you are not
suited to. Constant worry about what you are doing will only have the
opposite effect on your health. Don't get paranoid about your diet,
about what toothpaste you should use or about expensive exercise
equipment you need to buy.
Getting To Grips With A Healthy Lifestyle
Reviewed by pada mama
Published :
Rating : 4.5
Published :
Rating : 4.5
