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It is increasingly clear that Americans have made the decision to take greater responsibility for their health and their quality of life. Some may refer to this as the “human potential movement” and others call it the “wellness revolution.” Regardless of the terms used, it is based on people having a profound respect for the body’s ability to heal itself. In the past, people who chose to breast feed, exercise daily, meditate, take vitamins or go to the chiropractor on a regular basis would be considered “health nuts.” In today’s times, it is the people that don’t do these types of activities that are considered to be out of step. Yes, Americans are increasingly obsessed with maximizing their quality of life.
Wellness can be defined as the quality or state of being healthy; especially as the result of deliberate effort, or as an approach to health care that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing the treatment of diseases. Wellness requires you to be proactive instead of reactive. You need to treat your body well and not wait until you hurt before you decide to take care of it. Health is not simply “feeling fine;” we well know that some problems, such as heart disease, can progress for years without any signs or symptoms. Many say they don’t have the time or money to improve their health, but as Anthony Robbins once said, “you can make time for wellness now or you can make time for sickness later.” As we start to dive into 2010, let’s look at several of the major components of wellness.
Alignment. It is of the utmost importance to ensure that the physical structure of your body is in proper alignment. Your spine and joints are the foundation of your body and are, by definition, the backbone of your body’s ability to function properly. Chiropractic patients enjoy increased flexibility, improved posture, improved or eliminated pain, a more relaxed and calm state, and an enhanced energy level—in short, an improved overall quality of life. Due to their holistic philosophy, your wellness chiropractor is a great candidate to lead you on your journey to health.
Exercise. Even though most people are aware of how important exercise is to their health, they still do not exercise in a way that maximizes the benefits available from exercise. The recommended exercise routine features a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training. For maximum benefit, you should engage in at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity five or six days per week. A person should only need to engage in strength training two to three times per week in order to maximize the effects.
Nutrition. Just as we wouldn’t put diesel fuel in our gasoline-powered engine, we need to make sure we are giving our bodies the proper fuel to run efficiently We should have a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruit and non-farm raised fish and non-hormone or antibiotic–fed fowl or beef. Most people are also chronically dehydrated from not drinking enough pure water. As a rule, we should drink the number of ounces of water each day that is equal to half our body weight.
Healthy Thinking. Just as negative emotions can weaken the body’s resistance, positive emotions can strengthen it, or at least allow it to function normally. The simple act of deciding to be happier and focus on the positive will improve your health. If you want to have a healthy body, you need to have healthy thoughts and emotions. Just as it is important to avoid toxic chemicals, it is also necessary to avoid toxic thoughts to enjoy optimal health.
Lifestyle Habits. In addition to the four core components previously listed, there are a number of other healthy habits you can adopt to ensure a life of optimum health. These include minimizing sugar in your diet, getting plenty of sleep, turning off the TV, smoking cessation, having meaningful relationships, and being charitable. Replacing your bad habits with new, good habits can dramatically enhance your quality of life.
Most people aren’t living even close to their optimal potential. The recent research tells us that 75-80% of the chronic conditions we face today are the result of diet and lifestyle conditions. The good news is that a majority of what we deal with is reversible. With a strong commitment to implementing the major components of wellness that we discussed, the average person can live a long, healthy life. What it comes down to is that your quality of life is your responsibility. Your health and wellness is the foundation to make your dreams and your goals come true. Getting healthy is a journey, not an event! May 2010 be the year you take the first step on the journey towards better health through better living!