Five Simple Steps to a Healthier Life {and a Pep Talk}

"The first wealth is health."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I am approaching my forties, health has begun to be a concern. My energy levels aren't what they used to be and different illnesses have introduced themselves in family and friends that is very alarming. In this new year, something I am working on is preventative health. I am thinking on subtle changes that are realistic.



"Achieving radiant health and vitality doesn't have to be difficult, nor does it require "medical" intervention. Your body is designed to run at optimal levels, and given the opportunity, it will." 

~ Rosemary Gladstar, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

With this in mind, I am sharing five steps to a healthier life. Though these concepts may seem obvious and simple enough, sometimes we need reminders to be better keepers of our God-given temples!

{Note: The actual "5 steps" which are in bold and enlarged have been gleaned from Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health though the "pep talk" under each title are my own.}

1.  "Exercise is Essential"

I know you all already know this one but it is important! Man was made to work till the sweat of his brow and that meant "movement". Our modern lifestyle removes this concept for many. I am not talking about artificial exercise but incorporating it into your routine like our ancestors did (I think this contributes to stronger mental health as well). The thought of people needing to exercise in the old days was nonexistent since "life" was exercise! (Here are some ideas and incentive to get you moving while being productive, without spending money on gyms, fancy equipment, workout dvd's, etc.) Keep in mind that a simple old-fashioned brisk walk is also considered exercise (visit here for inspiration)!

"Walking is an excellent form of exercise for women. Walking is low-impact aerobic exercise that won't harm the joints over the long-term."

~ Shonda Parker, The Naturally Healthy Woman

2.  "Maintain a Balanced Diet"

The easiest way to explain this is to try and eat foods as closest to their natural state. Country folks call it "from scratch" cooking. In a nutshell, keep away from those "convenient" processed foods, eliminate items containing creepy ingredients that you can't even recognize let alone pronounce, try and stay clear of white flours, lots of sugar and avoid excessive fried foods, cook with whole grains instead of drained grains (brown rice verses white, etc.) and consume vegetables and fruit in raw forms as much as you are able. Also, don't forget those nuts and seeds (smoothies are a great way to achieve this).  Here are some realistic ideas of how we transitioned into healthier eating (though we are not food saints by any means!).

"Remember: It is not what you eat every once in a while that will cause your health problems. It is what you eat every day."

~ Shonda Parker, The Naturally Healthy Woman

3.  "Get the Rest and Relaxation Your Body Needs"

{Daytime "Rest"} This may be hard for some of you with small children but it can be done! During their nap time you really need to rest. There is temptation to get projects done but that will result in further exhaustion. Even when children are past the napping stage, I would continue to implement a "quiet time" for an hour each day where they rest on their bed with a stack of books (and they know there would be consequences for getting up earlier than you releasing them). This would give me some moments to relax and be strengthened for the dinner hour when my husband came home. If you are not a daytime napper, consider a cup of tea with some inspiring literature while lifting up your feet. Just 20 minutes can make a difference. It can turn you into a human again (honest)!

"Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness."

~ George MacDonald

{Nighttime "Rest"} Your brain needs approximately 8 hours to fully recharge (in other words, to be a functioning person and actually handle stress) and therefore it is important to give yourself enough sleep at night. It is very tempting to stay up late on the computer while everyone is out for the night but it is not healthful to you nor is it blessing your family. What I have found very helpful is to clear my brain before bed. Remove yourself from the computer at least an hour before you plan on sleeping in order to slowly wind down. The internet is over-stimulating and won't allow you a peaceful sleep when your mind is thinking on all the ideas it had been seeing. A gentle book (here are some of my favorites) or magazine before bed is ideal.

"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise."

~ Benjamin Franklin

4.  "Eliminate Undue Stress"

I am sure many of you think there is nothing that can be done about stress when you are a wife and mother. However, there are little things we can do to clear our schedules to allow for more time to keep peaceful. I think our #1 enemy is outside activities. Today's modern mothers have too many of them! Our job is to be keeper of the home yet many of us spend more time outside of the home (volleyball practice, piano, swimming, soccer, macrame, you get the idea...) than in it. No wonder we are stressed out. We are running ourselves ragged! I respectfully suggest that you scale back on outside activities. You will not only save your nerves, but money on gas and paying for said activities.

“Each and every decision you make, regardless of its level of intensity, is vitally important as you seek to do God’s will.” 

~ Elizabeth George, Finding the Path to More Peace and Less Stress

5.  "Use Herbs Every Day for Health and Vitality"

This is a newer concept for me that I am trying to administer into my daily routine. According to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, "Don't wait until you are sick to use herbs. The best way to cure illness is not to become ill, and there is wonderful longevity, nutritive, and tonic herbs that can be used daily to enhance wellness." Some nutritive herbs she recommends are horsetail, passionflower (passionflower would be excellent before bed as it supports restful sleep), cleavers, chickweed, red clover, and lemon balm. Consider brewing up some of these for a daily tea time to unwind a few minutes and nourish your body at the same time.

I just wanted to share some of what I have been reading and thinking in order to administer a healthier routine this year. What have you been doing or plan on doing to contribute to a healthier lifestyle?

"Care for your body daily by eating well, exercising, and purifying your thoughts and actions. Feed your spirit with regular communion with Christ at His table in your local church, and through the daily reading of His Word. Worship your Creator and God fervently in these ways and you will discover the truth of full health: salvation in the Lord."

~ Shonda Parker, The Naturally Healthy Woman

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