There will always be a reason to make positive changes to your health, wellness, or life. For some people, it will be a big reason, and for others a consistent transition will help them get into a healthy living mindset.
I believe that to stay healthy, it’s important to ask questions about your health and wellness. I understand that health isn’t based solely on your physical body, but it is a reflection of your mental, emotional, and spiritual health as well.
Often, the main reason a person makes a life-altering change is they have a serious illness. They are diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, or another serious illness. That’s a great doorway into healthy living; however, why do we have to be forced to change?
There are hundreds of weight loss gurus and health experts who were forced to change their health patterns. We are forced to change our mental and emotional health so we don’t succumb to our physical health. I think such weight loss gurus and health experts can be inspiring, although how bad does your health have to be before you start making positive changes?
I was never diagnosed with any serious disease; however, I did live an unhealthy lifestyle centered around fast food, convenience foods, and lack of exercise. I believe if my unhealthy habits did not change, the quality of my life would have gotten worse as the years continued. I would not be someone who would just accept life the way it was. I believe that this mindset creates a domino effect of opportunities for growth and learning. Once you start traveling down the rabbit hole, the analytical information doesn’t end, producing a continuous abundance of self-reflection and change.
How to Move Your Health Forward
I started reading positive mindset self-help books, which led to meeting with a life coach to help me create goals and clear away perceived roadblocks. I also opened my heart and started volunteering at a local food bank. A friend introduced me to yoga, which helped calm and balance my body and mind. The next healthy living transition was with healthy eating, and asking the question, “What is healthy food?”
I would define healthy foods as whole and organic natural foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and meats free from antibiotics or steroids. I also believe healthy living does not include consumption of highly processed or refined products, although another person might consider a microwave diet dinner as healthy.
Asking “Why?”
The most powerful question when it comes to a healthy living mindset is, “Why?” When you don’t ask that question everything stays the same because from a mental standpoint you already have the answers, and you don’t have to know why. You may trust what the media or others tell you instead of doing research yourself.
When you ask “why?” you focus on your social health, which is about taking responsibility and making powerful life choices. We stop blaming others for our problems and we realize that we always create our lives. Taking responsibility is an important step to begin the continuous healing process that is your life. We therefore can make the best health decisions when it comes to healthy living.
I am constantly improving my health and making adjustments. Recently, I decided to see a homeopath and a holistic nutritionist, which I believe have helped as I continue to learn about my health.
What is Health?
The simple question of “what is health?” can be very confusing. Some people believe if they don’t have a disease, they are healthy. From a physical frame of mind, health is at its optimal peak when you don’t have the feeling of fatigue, you enjoy a peaceful sleep, and you have a solid appetite for healthy food, life, and sex. Your health should also include a good memory, a good sense of humor, while being confident with your decisions.
There are also spiritual aspects of health that include being honest, expressing gratitude and appreciation, while having the ability to love in a genuine manner.
I believe everyone should be an advocate or enthusiast for health- and wellness-based positive change and enjoying healthy foods, exercise, and an open and positive mindset. Make healthy living changes in yourself, and others may be inspired by it; however, you make the biggest difference when you are humble and genuine with your healthy actions.
Always make health changes for yourself, and not because someone suggested it. That sounds like a diagnosis to me. When you understand what health is and take responsibility for the life you’ve lived, healthy living is now in your hands. Live it wisely.
Sources:
Colbin, A., Food and Healing (Toronto: Random House, 1986), 239-245.
