The legendary spiritual teacher Buddha once said, “without health life is not life: it is only a state of languor and suffering—an image of death.” Even in today’s time, his statement is correct. The necessary steps to achieving a “healthy” lifestyle seem to be changing day by day. Every other commercial is an advertisement for some new special drug that’s supposed to save mankind; it even comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. Don’t be fooled by the miracles pills and fancy jargon. In the year 2012, with all the changes in medicine, there are still very simplistic ways to maintain optimum health and not suffer in the “image of death” that Buddha spoke of.
Drink Water
As basic as it sounds, most people still have a hard time drinking water. We find comfort in sugary drinks, carbonated sodas, and other overpriced beverages. The problem is none of those other drinks can outweigh or substitute for water. The human body is made up of at least 60 percent water and it needs to be replenished in order for the normal bodily functions to work properly. Aren’t quite sure on how much you should drink? Here’s a simple guide to help you out.
Take the number of pounds you weigh and multiply by 2/3. (EX: 170lbs * 2/3 = 133)
Take that number and turn it into ounces. The converted number becomes the amount of water you should drink daily. (Ex: 133 pounds turns into 133 ounces)
Rest
They say “work hard and play hard,” but let’s not forget resting hard (figuratively speaking of course) as well! You should aim to get at least eight full hours of sleep each night. Beyond just making you feel sluggish and tired, a lack of sleep can lead to car accidents, lack of sex drive, and could put you at risk for heart disease and other chronic diseases.
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
We’ve all heard the cliché, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Now, it’s time to put those words into action. Did you know that apples were packed with vitamins and minerals essential to helping you maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of cancer? There’s no wonder grandma told you to eat those apples. Try local farmers markets to get great deals on organic and locally grown fruits.
We’re not done yet! We can’t forget about those delicious collard greens that we all love. Packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and other antioxidants, collard greens are great for fighting sickness and fueling your body. Try different fruits and vegetables each week. Variety is good for you!
Meditate
Life can get stressful. Regardless of your income, problems can come at any moment, so it’s good to maintain a state of peacefulness. Meditation is a great way to tranquilize and let your brain clear. Research has shown that meditation can help alleviate the negative effects of stress, anxiety, and depression. If you’re feeling down or overworked, take some time out to breathe.
Take Supplements
Think of supplements as a bonus. No, not the extra money you get at work during Christmas time. This one is much more beneficial. In a world where food is being genetically modified, air quality is worsening, and water is polluted, it’s essential to add an extra boost to your diet. Find a good multi-vitamin to take. Liquid vitamins are the most recommended because of their fast absorption rate. Along with vitamins, try natural herbs like Echinacea and Goldenseal, which help your body boost its immune system. The best thing about natural, organic herbs is that they don’t have the harmful side effects that can be equated to commercial drugs. Check with your local holistic health expert for tips on what supplements may be best for you.
There are plenty of other ways to stay healthy as well. Feel free to start where you feel comfortable and begin your journey to wellness today!
Albert Phillips is a freelance writer and student at Morgan State University. He also manages www.realityspeaksbookstore.com. Check out his blog at http://freedumbnow.tumblr.com/.