You Can Have Fun AND Live a Healthy Lifestyle

This particular blog is based on my opinions and the experiences I’ve had and witnessed through the years (such as mind, body, soul development, connecting to the whole, and the importance of minimizing toxins), as well as self-improvement readings that stuck in my brain. If self-improvement isn’t your thing, no judgment here. Such a time may or may not come for you, reader. We all make our own choices. I write this to inspire both others and myself. There is always something new to learn.

January is a slow month good for sleeping half the day, staying inside away from the cold and snow, and eating comfort food as we wait for the days to get lighter. These clean, fresh weeks are a wonderful time for meditation and prayer. The dark nights are great for candlelight and wine (or cocoa if you do a dry January).

I’m recharged! How about you? And, I am on day nine of a dry February. And, there’s a new moon today! So far so good! While I spend the rest of the month focused on work, exercise, eating right, and cleaning (I’m doing my Spring cleaning early), I continue to balance this with spending time with loved ones, enjoying my reading and television, as well as working on creative projects I enjoy.

When March comes along I will continue to do my best to live a healthy lifestyle, but there is always time for fun! Routine and persistence are key. My mind, body, spirit, and relationships are important to me. Having day-to-day good habits helps me, and they can help you, too. They can lead to a fun and healthy life.

For instance, when you wake at the same time every morning you are more likely to meet your goals for the day. Therefore, going to bed at the same time each night will help you do this. A good night’s sleep is the most important thing. When your body is well-rested, you feel better physically and mentally.

For a healthy mind, take time to yourself, be nice to everyone, and keep your integrity. For a healthy soul, be yourself and love others. For a healthy spirit, take time to pray, read, or commune with nature.

Taking a walk every day is nearly as important as a good night’s sleep. It not only helps your body, mind, and soul, but it helps you stay connected to the whole which is good for your spirit. By “whole” I mean we are all connected. I mean the Universe. I mean your higher self and your intuition. I mean God. Twenty minutes outdoors will help your mental health more than you could imagine! It might be challenging for those who have a lot of responsibilities, but you can still stay active. For example, if you sit at a desk most of the day, set a timer on your phone to get up every 20-30 minutes. Do some squats if you’d like. One way to stay active in such cases is to keep your printer in another room, then you are forced to get up every time you print something.

Other ways to connect to the whole and stay active are tending plants, swimming in a lake or ocean, feeding the birds, mowing the lawn, burning brush, etc. Anything that connects you to nature. I love to hike barefoot. If it’s too cold I wear earthing shoes which are all natural and have a copper insert to connect me with the earth’s core. Here are some companies that sell earthing shoes: Earth Runners, Raum Goods, and Groundz.

Our bodies are always healing themselves. In order to help my body optimally heal itself, I get chiropractic adjustments to keep my spine in the shape it should be for my nervous system to do its healing work! MaximizedLiving.com has taught me that minimizing toxins is also beneficial. Some ways of doing this are by making your own cleaning supplies, skin care products, etc. A great essential oil company is Dotera. If you do not have the time or interest in that you can purchase all-natural products. Be sure to read the ingredients. Some labels claim to be natural when they are not.

Also, try not to take medications. I understand that this sometimes isn’t possible but try your best. For example, rather than taking an anti-inflammatory or pain killer such as NSAIDs or Acetaminophen which can damage your liver and kidneys, try CBD oil or gummies. See if a natural menthol or other herbal lotion will work. And, stay hydrated.

We are all cyborgs, really. So, put the phone away sometimes. These electronics can suck our energy! Throw that phone in a drawer or keep it in another room. Limit your time on social media.

How we start and end our day is vital. We can have all the fun we want in between, but if we don't take care of ourselves we will regret it in the future. So, don’t skip tooth brushing or flossing. Don’t go to bed with makeup on your face. And, choose something nice to give your attention (save watching/reading the news for midday).

So when does the partying come in? You can have fun and drinks and snacks with friends every night if you’d like. The key is moderation, especially during the work week, and especially if you want to keep a healthy body. Getting a bit crazy on weekends is fine as long as you are safe. When you do gather, choose healthy food, and don't let anyone else’s bad habits affect your lifestyle.

Having said all this, I’d also like to add that if you find yourself unable to stop unhealthy habits it is likely because something is bothering you—be it something going on in your life right now or something from the past. I urge you to find what works for you in order to change your tendency from unhealthy habits to healthy habits.

To find what does work for you, you might have to try a few things. AA, NA, Al-Anon etc. are options. If that doesn't feel right for you, there is Celebrate Recovery. There it doesn’t matter what particular thing you are recovering from. It could be alcohol, narcotics, or any addiction. It could also be recovering from loss—be it loss of a loved one, or a job, or a breakup. Anything. If group therapy is not your thing, there are always one-on-one sessions with a therapist, hypnotist or spiritual teacher. If your bad habit is one in which you are physically addicted, one in which you have symptoms of withdrawal, then see a medical doctor.

Either way, the main thing is to face the issue(s). Once you look your demons in the face you can move on to growth. Hiding behind addiction leaves you there. If you face things that are not going right, you will then be able to move on toward a different perspective. It will take time and work, but you will develop a better way of living and it will be worth it.

Peace and Love,

Tracy

P.S. I love zydeco!

#healthyfun