I can’t even count how many people have recently asked me, “What can I do to protect myself against the swine flu?” In a nutshell, it comes down to incorporating simple but ever-challenging lifestyle habits of prevention so that you create the physical and emotional capacity you need to cope with stress and stay healthy. Think of prevention as your fortress, allowing you a defense against potential invaders —be that the swine flu or the emotional and physical stress that day-to-day life can bring. How do we do build up our own fortress?
Here are my best tips for creating a healthy lifestyle with lasting effects:
- FOOD Back to basics with nutrition: eat whole, fresh foods and avoid any foods with ingredients that you cannot pronounce.
- SLEEP 8 hours is the average amount needed. Ultimately, you know you have enough sleep when you wake without an alarm clock. Set a goal of turning in a little earlier.
- EXERCISE Get your body moving. Maybe it’s a quick walk around the block after dinner or taking the flight of stairs instead of the elevator. Incorporating even a little exercise into your daily routine ultimately creates an effortless habit towards well being.
- LOVE Enjoy who you are with, and what you do. We all need to give and receive more love in our life!
- RELAX Learn to intentionally relax, and watching TV isn’t what I mean. Relaxing is prayer, meditation, running, yoga, or any such activity with the conscious intention of letting go of stress and balancing our emotions. Try out my free weekly 15-minute guided relaxation to get you started.
The good news? The swine flu virus is currently running through homes, schools, and communities and so many people are motivated to put healthy practices into play. In turn, this can lead to create lasting healthy habits to protect you long after this virus has gone away.
this is so true! i find that taking time to pray is my ‘relax’ mode; its very calming and keeps stress at bay. I do try to get enough sleep, and i exercise and eat right to keep my body healthy. i attend a college campus each day, so in the short term–I’m washing my hands!