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:
Feel the love
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.
Burn baby, burn
"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).
Savor every bite
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!"
Sweet dreams
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