A Healthy Body and A Sound Mind

Healthy body

1. You are what you eat. Studies have shown that an eating plan with low consumption levels of animal meat and fat is better for the heart. Add more fish and chicken (without the skin) rather than beef and pork to your diet.

2. Drink 8-10 glasses of clean water daily. Water is essential to maintaining regular body functions. Great for cleansing and detoxification.

3. Consume less salt, sugar and fat. The key to healthy living is moderation. So, try to hold off on that tempting eclair or that crispy pata. The food you reject might just save your life!

4. Sleep 6-8 hours a day. Natural sleep without the help of tranquilizers is best for the body. If you have trouble sleeping, you may try a cup of chamomile, peppermint or valerian root tea just before bedtime.

5. Increase our activity level. Exercise a minimum of three times a week. A brisk 30 minute early morning or late afternoon walk is great for your circulation. And when at work, take the stairs instead of the elevator.

6. Take a vitamin--mineral supplement daily. You may consider an extra dose of anti-oxidants like vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc if you are a serious health-buff.

7. Eat more yellow and green leafy vegetables and fruits daily like squash, romaine lettuce, malunggay, spinach, papaya, pineapple. Their high nutrient value has anti-cancer properties.

8. Cut down on your carbohydrate consumption especially at night. Carbo-loading at night raises your insulin levels and may turn into fat the very next day, leaving you feeling bloated.

Sound Mind

1. Practice a positive thought a day. Driving negative thoughts away is like directing traffic. Visualize yourself as a traffic cop, allowing positive thoughts to flow through your mind's skyway with ease. Block the road where negative thoughts threaten to cause a bottleneck in your mind. Your affirmation for the day: "I am the traffic cop of my mind directing only the good and beautiful to and from me all the time"

2. Meditate 3-5 minutes in the morning and the evening. Have some quiet, reflection time.

3. Listen to soothing music.

4. Begin and end your day with a smile.

5. Practice relaxed breathing. Pacing your breathing helps control your body functions better.

6. Hold your temper. Count to eleven instead of ten before getting angry.

7. Laugh. Studies have shown that laughter releases a chemical in the brain which directly affects your mood from glum to chirpy.

8. Unleash the power of touch. Touch a person today in a caring way. You will find that a loving touch can heal anyone and anything.