Picture this: someone builds a house directly on the sand at the ocean’s edge, with nothing under it but earth. While the idea is good, and the view is spectacular, there is clearly a problem. At the first sign of a heavy wind or storm, the house begins to slip and slide, and ends up crumbling into the water. Not such a good plan, right? The same is true for us. While our intentions are good, if we don’t have a solid foundation beneath us, we may end up feeling tossed about in the wind when life’s storms occur.
Thankfully, building our own foundation does not involve any trips to the big-box home improvement store. In fact, if you remember that your foundation includes your mind, body, and spirit, and you follow a few simple suggestions, you will find yourself capable of not only surviving the storm, but thriving as well. Here are some tips within the mind, body and spirit categories to try to keep all three areas of your personal foundation strong:
Healthy Mind:
- Surround yourself with positive people. People with positive energy can see the best in others and focus on what is working well in their lives rather than their challenges. Positive people support each other and help each other reach their goals.
- Share your feelings with someone you trust. Being able to communicate in a healthy way, and have intimate exchanges with others, builds an increased sense of self-awareness and connection.
- Limit stress and practice some of the strategies we discussed earlier this month when stress does occur.
- Be grateful every day. When you are thankful for the things you have in your life, it increases acceptance, optimism, and happiness, and it allows you to both give and receive compassion.
- Keep your mind active. Learn new things, practice new skills, switch up your daily routine, or tap into a variety of senses in different ways.
Healthy Body:
- Eat a protein rich diet that includes lean cuts of meat, seafood, eggs, beans, nuts, and non-dairy yogurts. Have healthy snacks throughout the day to manage your hunger and cravings, and make sure to eat 9 types of fresh vegetables each day.
- Exercise at least 4 times each week. Work all of your different muscle groups and combine strength and endurance exercises.
- Get at least 8 hours of good sleep per night. A well-rested body improves your physical health, increases energy, and contributes to emotional well-being.
- Stay hydrated. Shoot for half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. At night, try a calming, stress reducing tea.
Healthy Spirit:
- Take time for yourself to do the things you enjoy. This not only rejuvenates your spirit, it increases your energy and ability to meet the responsibilities you have each day with a positive attitude.
- Manage your schedule so you have enough down time each week. It is easy to get caught up in all the things you have to do, but it is just as important to have time to relax.
- Connect with nature, the universe, or whatever feels spiritual in your life.
- Pamper yourself with an occasional treat: new comfy flannel sheets for the cold winter nights, a visit to the spa, or a fun daytrip with a friend. These types of things go a long way toward sustaining yourself and your spirit.
So remember: just as your home needs a solid foundation, you do as well. Taking care of your mind, body, and spirit is so important as you continue your journey. Having a strong foundation will enable you to feel your best, have more energy, and maintain a positive outlook on life. A healthier you is a wonderful goal!
Next time we will talk about what stress does to the body. You will be able to use this information with the suggestions we provided last time to reduce stress in your life and counter it with positive strategies when it does occur.
Let us know how you are doing. Are any questions coming up for you? We are here to support you to be successful in your goals. Be well and continue to build on your healing foundation daily.
Health and Happiness — Creating Wellness Naturally!