Small steps that lead to a healthier you

Our body is the Temple of God so we need to take care of it as we do our soul.

Health is wealth and this may sound like a cliché but it is definitely not. Our longevity and vitality is hugely dependent on how well we take care of our bodies. Simply put, be kind to your body and it will be kind to you.

The food we eat, the drinks we consume, the activities we do or not do, all play a vital role in the support of our body system running optimally.

Personally, i am still on the journey to wholeness and right living but i am going to share with you a few tips i have inculcated into my daily life for a better health. So here they are;

1. Eat well

This point cannot be overemphasised. Our body is made up of trillions of cells. Our cells rejuvenate periodically and also carry metabolic functions which requires fuel. This fuel is gotten from the foods we eat in the form of nutrients. Our cells also replaces and repairs itself based on the type of fuel it receives.

We are aware of the damage bad fuel do to our engines so imagine the damage we cause our bodies when we feed on junk and unbalanced diet. I understand finances, work can get in the way, we come back so tired and not in the mood to think of healthy foods but it is critical we make this a priority.

I replaced fizzy drinks and store bought fruit juices with homemade green smoothies and noticed a difference in my body.

Also my use of oil have been limited to the barest minimum. I bake my plantain and potatoes rather than fry them.

I have limited my intake of pasta and noodles because they are processed and processed foods have been stripped of their nutrients due to the rigorous steps used in producing them and the heat they are subjected to. Regardless of what the manufacturers say, it is a no-no.

I have different recipes i use in food preparation to ensure my body gets its required nutrients from each meal i have. I have learned to be picky eater. I just don’t put anything into my mouth. Research has shown that what we eat and how we feel are linked.

2. Limit stress

Life is hard, we struggle to make ends meet, pursue our dreams amongst many other goals so it is easy to get caught up in this unending cycle of stress. All hope is not lost. We can take control of our lives. One thing i say all the time of which i am also guilty of is ‘Don’t take on more than you can handle at once’.

It is okay to say no, there is nothing to feel guilty about. I also try to leave for my appointments early enough so i don’t get stressed out hurrying to the venue and panicky if i will be late or not. I know there are unforseen events which can get in the way but we can tie up the loose knots on our end.

I meditate at least 15mins everyday. Turnoff my phones, tv set, any form of distraction and just be. Sometimes, with a soft music playing while other times i prefer silence. However you wish to do yours, try to meditate if not everyday but at least once a week for a start. You can also watch comedy videos, it helps.

3. Get quality sleep

The duration and quality of your sleep will determine how refreshed and energized you feel the morning after.

The body repairs itself when we sleep amd it will be unable to do so if we don’t know sleep well.

Tips to help you sleep better:-

A. Don’t sleep with the TV on.

B. Make sure to keep your phone aside at least one hour before bedtime.

C. Avoid alcohol before bedtime. Intialy, it may seem like you have fallen into a deep sleep but later on at night, your sleep becomes light abd it may have you toss and turn all night.

D. Coffee before bedtime is a culprit. The caffeine keeps you alert and unable to fall into a deep sleep.

E. Give yourself a break.

Over activity can prevent you from having a good rest. Going to the gym and apending hours and hours daily can lead to an increase in the production of cortisol( Stress hormone) , moodiness and depression. Know when to stop.

F. Overeating will cause you great discomfort. Avoid eating till you are full. Eat a portion and do it 2 hours before you sleep.

4. Choose water as a drink.

You can never go wrong drinking water. The benefits of drinking enough water includes system detox and keeping our bodies hydrated. So drink as much as you can daily. Don’t wait till you get thirsty before you drink, drink at intervals.

5. Get active

Exercise increases blood circulation and helps you relax whilst keeping your body in top condition. You may not necessarily go to the gym to get a good workouts. You can make little changes like using the stairs instead of lifts, parking your car a away from the entrance so you can walk a distance, take a stroll every evening. Dance if you can, what ever activity can cause your heart to beat fast, do it.

6. Be happy

The joy that flows from within you is greater than any prevailing circumstances. Learn to be intentionally happy and life will get better for you.

I summarised the points so not to make the post long. If you have questions about any of the above points or wish for me to expand a point in another blogpost, let me know in the comments.

You are loved 💜💛💚

Angel