Our
mind, body and spirit are all connected. When one of these factors are off
balance, our whole body will feel it on some level. Emotions can
cause physical symptoms, spiritual disharmony can cause emotional systems and
so on.
To be in complete health and
harmony, our being needs to be in balance. While there are many things you can
do to achieve this, here is one suggestion for each “body” that you can do
every day. Even though these suggestions are quick and easy, they can go a
long way in helping you to restore balance, peace and harmony within your
entire being.
When
we think about health, diet and exercise are typically the first things that
come to mind. However, good health isn't just about the physical body.
Our mind and body are interconnected and affect each other tremendously. For
example, a stressful situation causing negative thoughts can lead to physical
pain or illness. It’s important to maintain a healthy balance between your
mind, body, and soul by nurturing your whole self, including your physical,
mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.
There
are many things you can do in your daily life to achieve overall wellness. Here
are some simple ways to begin cultivating a mind-body-soul balance.
1. Read and learn
often. Your education shouldn’t stop once you’re out of school. Open your
mind to new possibilities, beliefs, and interests by reading, taking online
classes, watching documentaries, and attending workshops.
2. Meditate
regularly. Meditation improves memory, attention, mood, immune system
function, sleep, and creativity. All it takes is a few minutes a day to start
reaping the benefits.
3. Practice yoga.
Yoga is amazing for your overall health. It helps you build strength,
coordination, and flexibility while calming your mind. It also encompasses the
mind-body-soul connection.
4. Avoid sitting for
extended periods of time. Try to stand or move around while
you work, if possible. Too much sitting is linked to heart disease, diabetes,
and a shortened lifespan.
5. Get at least 15
minutes of moderate to fast-paced exercise each day.
Live close to work? Walk or ride your bike on nice days. Exercise is important
for heart health, physical stamina, and mood.
6. Spend time
outside. Now is the perfect time of year for hiking, boating, picnics,
outdoor sports, foraging for wild foods, camping, and much more!
7. Add more
plant-based foods to your diet. Eating lots of vegetables and
fruit can help prevent chronic disease. Shop your local farmer’s market for
fresh, in-season produce.
8. Get involved in a
volunteer organization or activism group.
Use your voice or your talents to do some good in the world. We’re all
connected, and it’s incredible to experience that connectedness when we work
toward a common goal.
9. Fuel your
passions. Set aside some time each day to do what makes your soul happy.
Many of us work so much that we forget how great it feels to paint, dance, make
music, write, garden, or swim.
10. Listen to music
often. And sing along or dance!
11. Be grateful.
Take some time each day to write or think about the things you’re grateful for,
like family, friends, pets, food, shelter, health, or the beauty of nature.
12. Be kind to
everyone. This includes yourself!
13. Get enough sleep
each night. And remember that you're never too old for naps.
14. Detoxify your
beauty routine. Switch to natural products.
15. Find a career
path that is meaningful to you. Chase your dreams, not riches.
16. Let go of the
little things. If something won't matter tomorrow, don't let it ruin today.
17. Slow down.
A little rest and relaxation when you’re used to spending lots of time on the
go can replenish your mind and body.
18. Stop people
pleasing. There’s a difference between being kind and being a doormat. If
you spend too much time worrying about what others will think, you’ll lose
yourself and end up feeling miserable.
19. Laugh often.
If you take life to seriously, you're going to miss out on a whole lot of good
times.
20. Travel and learn
about other cultures. Do this as much as you can!
21. Forgive yourself
for your past mistakes. Learn from the past, but don't
let it destroy you.
With
a little bit of attention to your own self-care, the fog will lift.
You’ll feel more connected to
yourself and the world around you.
You’ll delight in small pleasures,
and nothing will seem quite as difficult as it did before.