“In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties” - Henri Fredrick Amiel

Health- Check-Up

Needless to say, being healthy is an essential part of living our dreams. Let’s take a look at some of the (many) external and internal influences on ‘health’. “Internal environment” means the things inside our bodies that influence our health, such as genetics (the genes you got from your mother and father), hormones, illnesses, and feelings and thoughts. “External environment” refers to the things outside of our bodies that influence our health, such as toxins, (polluted) air, water, food, danger, music, noise, people, poverty and stress. Also, the external environment enters our internal environment every day — think of the food you eat, water you drink, air you breathe (including smoking), and medicines you take. More subtly, there’s the way you “breathe in” or absorb your environment, such as your home or workplace, and the way you take in energy from the people you spend time with. When there is a breakdown in one or more of the foundations of health,  your overall well being will be affected.  For our lifestyle to be optimal, it’s important that each of these areas are addressed:

1. Thinking. Don’t underestimate the impact of your thoughts on your well being and achievements! Your own ’self talk’ can be positive or negative and profoundly affects the way you feel about yourself and the world. Becoming aware of and changing your own inner voice reduces stress, improve your mental and emotional well-being, and empower you to achieve your dreams. Meditation, relaxation and mindfulness can help you with this. Great places to learn and practise mediation are Vipassana meditation (intensive, 10 day retreats) and The Shambhala Centre (weekly practise, courses and retreats). You can also use brain wave technology to help you deepen your relaxation.

2. Breathing. The breath is our life force. It’s also the connection with our subconsciousness. A fast and shallow breathing pattern can be an indication of stress or anxiety on a subconscious level. The use of only a fraction of your lungs results to lack of oxygen and may lead to different complications, such as heart diseases, sleep disorders, and fatigue. Controlling your breath through deep breathing exercises can help you center yourself and relax. The breath is often the focus of meditation, as it helps focus the mind on the present moment and brings the mind ‘back into the body’.

3. Hydration. Our bodies are made up of about 70% water. Drinking enough water is a huge factor in maintaining optimal health. If you want to enjoy the benefits of water and make sure all the systems in your body are working properly, you need to drink approximately eight glasses of water. If you are exercising or sweating a lot, you should increase the amount because your body is losing more water. At the very least, try to drink enough water to keep your urine pale. [More info and tips]

4. Nutrition. Healthy eating is very important. It plays a huge role over time in determining how healthy you will be, and how long you will live. Healthy eating is all about taking in the right nutrients in the right amounts so your body can be at its very best. Your eating habits also have an effect on your health and well-being. Some useful on-line resources are: Helpguide.org and Eat Right Ontario.

5. Exercise. One of the major benefits of exercise is that it helps you to have a healthier and stronger body. Exercise also helps you to stay younger - exercise really is a fountain of youth. Starting exercising can be as as simple as starting walking. Whenever you can, choose to leave the car at home and walk, bike, or rollerblade instead! How much exercise do you need? What type of exercise is best for you? To find the answers to these questions, click here.

6. Sleep patterns. If you are thinking that you can get more done if you work longer hours and sleep less, think again. Going without enough rest and sleep actually makes you less efficient. Lack of sleep is harmful to your health and well-being. Your sleep is impeccable to recharge you and provide you with the energy you need to face the day and achieve your goals. Disrupted sleep patterns, or insomnia, can be a result of stress, or your thoughts (see the thoughts section). Meditation, physical exercise, or brain wave technology can help you improve your sleep.

7. External factors. Some examples include pollution, the radiation from cell phones and computers, the use of plastic containers to store our food and drinks in and the use of toxic personal care and household products. Household toxins are a bigger problem than most people realize. Many toxins and chemicals in your home environment may not cause problems right away. At least not any problems that you can detect. Over time, many common household toxins can build up in your body and cause serious health problems. You may not be able to control everything that goes on in the world, but you can choose which products you use in your home.

8. Love & Laugh. Last, but certainly not least: Give and receive Love, as if you have never been hurt before! Love yourself & others unconditionally, share your smile and laughter with an open heart. Don’t hold on to anger, resentment and disappointment - they are poisons to your body - the best medicine to cleanse yourself is….yes: smile!