Most people know that looking good from afar doesn't always (or even most of the time) translate to instant health and happiness. Of course, being considered eye candy by some is always a nice perk of working out and eating right, but there's much more to enhancing your wellbeing than managing your gym routine.
"Keeping your body, mind and spirit in balance is the key," said Robert
Volinsky, a New York City-based licensed massage therapist whose
business, Restorative Therapies, helps clients achieve overall
wellness. "When the important aspects of our lives are running smoothly
and make us happy, wellness is a natural result."
Volinsky
incorporates a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that
includes massage, aromatherapy and Reiki (a sacred healing art that
uses the hands and mind). He shared with us the following six steps to
wellness that all of us can use:
We're
not just talking about the hottie you took to the movies last Saturday
night. Love also comes from family, friends and your community. "We are
social beings by nature," says Volinsky. "Having time with those we
care about is social 'food' we can't live without.
"Nothing erases stress and promotes wellness better than a little sweat," says Volinsky. "Moving around and using your muscles helps your body remove toxins and benefits your heart and lungs." Play tennis, take a walk, run in the park, grab a dumbbell or do anything else you enjoy that gets your body moving and active, says Volinsky. And don't forget to stretch (or better yet, take a yoga class). Studies have consistently shown that stretching not only increases flexibility but also slows aging and promotes better sleep! (If you have health problems, be sure to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise routine).
Notice we’re not using the word "diet" here. We're merely talking about having an awareness of the food we eat. "Your meals are a time to give back to yourself, to support your body and your life," says Volinsky. "Be present and conscious while eating. This will not only promote better digestion of food, but amplify appreciation for the wellness you are trying to maintain." Volinsky warns that eating quickly can lead to indigestion and other digestive problems. "Give your salivary glands a chance to function. After all, food is more that just fuel, it's life!"
Are
you getting enough sleep (seven to eight hours a night)? Not only does
adequate sleep help your gym-worked muscles rebuild and grow, it’s
absolutely crucial to maintaining health and wellness, says Volinsky.
"Sleep is the time our body rejuvenates and restores itself. Many
people are sleep-deprived, which can dramatically undermine their
health, making them more prone to illness, stress and depression."
Take a break
A large proportion of doctor visits are related to stress,
according to the National Stress Organization. And one way to reduce
stress is to avoid working to the point of burning out. "Take
mini-breaks during work, not for coffee or another cigarette, but to
breathe," says Volinsky, who suggests taking ten slow, relaxed deep
breaths. "It's like a mini-meditation. When you're done breathing,
you'll be surprised at how easily this exercise can calm you down."-- Mitch Rustad
Great info. Thanks for the insights and guidance. E.Nahum
Posted by: E.Nahum | 06/14/2010 at 03:46 PM
Simple recipes that dont have a huge list of irigednence that you cannot find in your normal store. Also I enjoy learning what different foods do in your body, and how things break down. I would like to see more of that and also, you could have normal ppl trying out different vitamins for a few months and then giving there reviews. Im using New Chapter organic Womens one daily Vitamins and there whole product line is so great! Maybe list some websites where you can get good deals on vitamins like . transformyourhealth.com. Have fun.
Posted by: Dietmar | 07/05/2012 at 04:09 AM