5 Simple Steps to Radiant Health
Health and wellness is a very popular topic. There are numbers of businesses, books, movies and websites dedicated to the topic. Each doctor or wellness expert has their own research and opinions on how to achieve optimum health, which can be overwhelming.
Good health doesn't have to mean expensive treatments and supplements, however, it can be simple changes you can implement in your everyday life.
1. Breathe deep ... through your nose!
It is estimated that 80% of the Western population are breathing incorrectly. As young children we learn to breathe properly, but as we get older our capacity to breathe deeply diminishes. This is due to factors such as stress and sitting at a desk all day.
In order to breathe properly, we should be primarily breathing through our nose. Our upper airways are designed to treat the air you breathe as it enters your body. If you are breathing through your mouth, you are bypassing this entire part of the respiratory system.
Nitric acid, which helps to lower blood pressure and increase oxygen absorption, is made by the mucous membranes in your sinus and carried into your lungs when you breathe through your nose. Remember these things as you go to take your next breaths and understand the importance of proper breathing and what it can do for your body and health.
2. Detox your skincare routine.
Our skin is the largest organ of our body. Everything that is put on our skin topically will eventually be absorbed and end up in our bloodstream. Now, go and read the ingredient label on your lotion bottle. Do you recognize any of those things? Is they anything you would eat?
If you answered, "No" to these questions then you should reconsider putting it on your skin.
Luckily, making your own products is simple, coconut oil works wonders! There are also a number of great companies out there that sell natural skincare products. My favorite is the Pearlesque Box and Beauty Heroes, which feature natural and organic skincare companies from around the world.
There are many subscription boxes, in fact, which are great because you can try new products each month straight to your doorstep.
3. Eat real food, not food-like products.
You are what you eat…literally! Your stomach lining replaces itself every 4 days, the outer layer of your skin regenerates every 35 days and you are given a new liver every six weeks. When taking this into account, it is easy to see why it is so important to eat healthy.
By feeding our bodies fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes, we our giving it the proper fuel to carry us through our days and building blocks for a strong, healthy body.
4. Avoid sitting for too long a.k.a MOVE your body!
Our bodies were designed to move. If we look back at our ancestors, walking, hunting and working the land were a part of their everyday life. Fast forward to present day and we see people sitting down the majority of the day, either at school or in an office. Sitting for long periods of time can be detrimental to our health, leading to an increase in heart disease, type 2 diabetes and a host of other problems.
Breaking up the day by getting up and walking periodically is important for circulation, which controls all the biochemical reactions in your body. Exercise doesn't have to mean heavy weights or an intense cardio session, as long as your body is moving you can reap the benefits. Finding an activity you enjoy will make it easier for you to keep it as a regular part of your daily routine.
5. Meditate Daily.
Each person's form of meditation may look different. For some it is sitting cross-legged with eyes closed, for others it may be something more like a moving meditation such as yoga or running. Whatever your form of meditation looks like, the important thing is to focus on your breath and stay in the present moment. It gives you the time to revitalize from the stresses of daily life and reconnect to your center.
Taking even just 10 minutes a day will have a positive impact on your mind, body and spirit.
Kathryn is a plant-based cook with a zest for life and passion for wellness. In 2012 she founded ZENutrition, a vegan cooking company which offers meal services, catering and plant-based lifestyle coaching. Her cooking incorporates styles and theories from around the world. She brings creativity and love into the dishes she creates and aims to truly nourish people by creating food with intention. You can learn more about ZENutrition by visiting www.zenutritionfoods.com.