Three ways to feel better - today
When you start taking action towards better health, it can seem like the journey will be long and arduous. When will you start feeling better? Here are three actions you can take, today, that will make you feel more alive and vibrant, improve your mood, and reduce your stress. Even better, these health-boosters won’t cost you a cent.
1. Go for a walk. If you’re sitting at the table, push your chair away right now and head out the door for a brisk 20 minute walk, preferably in nature. (If you’re reading this week’s column at a café, remember to pay for your coffee before you leave!)
Why this helps: poor circulation (which results in poor oxygen delivery to cells) can cause fatigue. A brisk walk will boost your metabolism (making it easier to lose weight), and walking in nature supplies lots of negative ions. Any form of exercise helps burn off cortisol and adrenaline, the stress hormone. For students, a brisk walk will improve the circulation to your brain, making it easier to learn.
2. Meditate. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, it helps (although 30 minutes is ideal). Find a quiet space where you will be undisturbed. Turn off your mobile phone. Now just spend some time observing your breath, and allowing your thoughts to appear and disappear rather like a movie reel. An iPod playing calming music or nature sounds may help; some people find a guided meditation works best for them. (You can download free guided meditations from the internet)
Why this helps: Taking time out really helps drop your stress levels a notch or two, leaving you more prepared to face the next challenge. It will also reduce your blood pressure. This is a particularly important strategy for busy mothers, who easily forget to look after themselves. Business owners are also frequently guilty of not taking time out!
3. Drink two litres of pure water, every day. That means just water – not counting cuppas, or flavoured water. Filtered water is ideal. In winter it’s easy to become dehydrated, because you don’t sweat so much, you don’t feel as thirsty, and you can spend more time in dry heated rooms.
Why this helps: Your kidneys need water to help dissolve toxins and remove them from your body. A body overloaded with toxins can make you feel like you’re carrying around your own personal rubbish dump.
When you start taking action towards better health, it can seem like the journey will be long and arduous. When will you start feeling better? Here are three actions you can take, today, that will make you feel more alive and vibrant, improve your mood, and reduce your stress. Even better, these health-boosters won’t cost you a cent.
- Go for a walk. If you’re sitting at the table, push your chair away right now and head out the door for a brisk 20 minute walk, preferably in nature.
Why this helps: poor circulation (which results in poor oxygen delivery to cells) can cause fatigue. A brisk walk will boost your metabolism (making it easier to lose weight), and walking in nature supplies lots of negative ions. Any form of exercise helps burn off cortisol and adrenaline, the stress hormone. For students, a brisk walk will improve the circulation to your brain, making it easier to learn.
- Meditate. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, it helps (although 30 minutes is ideal). Find a quiet space where you will be undisturbed. Turn off your mobile phone. Now just spend some time observing your breath, and allowing your thoughts to appear and disappear rather like a movie reel. An iPod playing calming music or nature sounds may help; some people find a guided meditation works best for them. (You can download free guided meditations from the internet)
Why this helps: Taking time out really helps drop your stress levels a notch or two, leaving you more prepared to face the next challenge. It will also reduce your blood pressure. This is a particularly important strategy for busy mothers, who easily forget to look after themselves. Business owners are also frequently guilty of not taking time out!
- Drink two litres of pure water, every day. That means just water – not counting cuppas, or flavoured water. Filtered water is ideal. In winter it’s easy to become dehydrated, because you don’t sweat so much, you don’t feel as thirsty, and you can spend more time in dry heated rooms.
Why this helps: Your kidneys need water to help dissolve toxins and remove them from your body. A body overloaded with toxins can make you feel like you’re carrying around your own personal rubbish dump.
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