In our environment, daily actions and habits have a powerful impact on our health and quality of life.  One’s lifestyle can be the path to wellness or disease.

In other words, our behavior and patterns of living can be the leading factors in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, dementia, mental health and cancer. 

An unhealthy lifestyle can also impair our immune function and increase the risk of infectious diseases.

Diet, physical activity, rest, and relationships are major factors affecting our health. This includes the types of food we eat, the amount of physical activity, weight management, alcohol use, relationships, occupation, sleep patterns, management of stress, social involvement, and recreational time.

Research has documented strategies to support and optimize our mental and physical health and well-being.

• Physical activity. Become more active. Play. Push yourself to try new activities. Your body and brain desire to be challenged.
• Sleep. Provide your body and brain with an adequate amount of sleep. Healing and cellular maintenance occur during this time.
  
  
• Eat nutritious and quality foods. Take advantage of the summer season of fresh vegetables and fruits. Freeze and can items for the winter months.
  
  
• Develop strategies to manage stress. Take time-out during the day and take deep breaths. Go for walks and be out the natural outdoors and receive the beneficial impacts of this environment.
  
  
• Develop nurturing relationships. Excuse yourself from toxic ones.
  
  
• Make time for things you enjoy doing.
  
  
• Be curious and act upon your curiosity.
  
  
• Sit quietly to listen within. Befriend yourself. There is power, strength and wisdom inside to guide us. 

Look at your lifestyle. Does it lead to feeling healthy?

Think about what to change to regain wellness for years to come. Show up for yourself and make time improving your health.  Life can be a magical place.