To keep the body in good health is a duty – otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. (The Buddha)

I had not always followed good health habits and lifestyle – such as adequate sleep, healthy diet, and sound, positive thinking.

When I returned home from my 21-day stay at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital – where lying immobilised on my back, with little to do, gave me time to think – I realized that some lifestyle changes were urgently needed. My loving wife also kindly pointed out that I really ought to eliminate some unhelpful habits and replace them with positive ones – she wanted me to stay around a little longer!

As a result, here is a list of daily health-promoting practices that I am gradually incorporating into my life each day. It takes time to build new, strong habits, and I must be patient with myself! I am sharing this list in the hope that some of the points (if not all) will also help others.

MIND

Reflection/Meditation: Taking stock of life – getting one’s bearings

Taking the time to reflect on life – its meaning, purpose, and the reality of the vast cosmos that we are all a part of – can contribute to a sense of well-being. A way to do this is to read a passage from one of the world’s spiritual treasures (such as from Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, or other inspirational writings). Then, reflect on the passage in the context of your own life. Finally, quietly sit and feel the ideas at the heart level.  

Mindfulness: Being aware of one’s body, mind and feelings

If we can become more aware or mindful of our body, thoughts and emotions, we can take a more neutral or non-judgmental view of situations and think about them in a constructive way – rather than quickly becoming upset or angry. This will leave our mind more tranquil, and give us a greater sense of peacefulness and calmness.

Visualisation: Visualising health and well-being

According to current neuroscience, our brains do not know the difference between what is real and what is imagined. However, this does not matter because the brain registers information and learns from experience – whether it is fabricated or not. Regular visualising of one’s health and well-being helps to focus the mind on what one desires and the body will respond.  

Affirmations: Affirming positiveness and wellness

Affirmations are positive statements that will help to challenge and overcome our self-sabotaging and negative thoughts (for example, “I’m not worthy” or “I’ll never overcome this problem”). When you truly believe the affirmations you have chosen, repeat them often, and so internalize them, you will start to see positive changes. Affirmations also help to lessen the effects of stress. (An excellent app for affirmations is AffirmYourLife.)

Gratitude: Maintaining a thankful heart

A growing body of research has shown the benefits of practicing gratitude. These include boosting the immune system and contributing to an overall sense of well-being. In fact, being grateful is one of many factors that contributes to positive mental health. It also improves relationships and promotes optimism.

Creative Outlets: Pursuing what you enjoy

Taking time for activities that you deeply feel called to do and enjoy is important. This strengthens mental well-being. “If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Wherever you are — if you are following your bliss, you are enjoying that refreshment, that life within you, all the time” (Joseph Campbell).

BODY

Healthful diet: Eating natural foods and limiting processed foods

A healthy diet is essential for good nutrition and health. It protects us against many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Eating a variety of foods, as well as consuming more fruit and vegetables – and less salt, sugar, processed foods, and saturated fats – is part of a healthy diet.

Exercise: Walking and other physical activity

Exercise and physical activity improve health and reduce the risk of developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Both physical activity and exercise have immediate and long-term health benefits – they improve the overall quality of life, whereas a sedentary life has been found to be unhealthy.

Rest: Getting sufficient sleep each night; resting whenever needed

Adequate quality sleep is a vital part of every person’s overall health and well-being. It enables the body to repair and rejuvenate itself in preparation for another day. Also, adequate rest can help prevent heart disease and shorten illness duration. Naps increase energy and can improve one’s mood and responses to frustrations.

Sunshine and Fresh Air: Spending time in the sun and breathing deeply

In a balanced way, exposing the body to the sun’s rays is beneficial, especially for Vitamin D, which is a vital nutrient and most of it is acquired through sun exposure. However, the sun can be dangerous – causing burns and contributing to skin cancer – if the body is exposed for too long before it is conditioned to the sun’s rays. Additionally, at every opportunity, we should step outside and take in deep breaths of fresh air. Every vital process in the body depends on oxygen for its performance. The more we breathe fresh air, the more pep we will have, the healthier our colour, the greater our alertness, and the straighter our posture.

It is encouraging to know that many physical conditions can be greatly improved if a good lifestyle is pursued. May these ten health practices be of help. The renewed zest, enthusiasm for life, and a sense of well-being will more than repay your efforts in making these practices a daily way of life!

AN AFTERTHOUGHT

Every October, we take our car for its annual service to ensure that all parts continue to function well.

Similarly, to have an annual physical check-up is a sound health practice. This may include some blood tests, which can check the red and white blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, and other blood components. Such a test can also uncover anaemia, inflammation, infection, and even cancer. (An annual dental check-up is also a good practice for detecting decay and/or infection and dealing with it early).

Doctors typically only have a very short time with each patient, but my wife and I found that a naturopath can complement a doctor’s visit by providing further relevant information in a longer consultation. The naturopath we visited went through our blood test results, item by item in detail – noting both normal levels, as well as deficiencies. For each deficiency, she recommended supplements and/or dietary changes. We were pleased that our health condition had been thoroughly examined and we were well informed as to how to build up our health and maintain it at a better level.

Based on professional ratings, she ranks among the three best in the Brisbane, Queensland, Australia area. (If any reader is further interested, the website for the practice in Cleveland is https://panaceanaturopathy.com.au/)

Written by Alexander Peck; edited by Eva Peck (July 2021)

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