When you walk out your door in the morning and you see yet more snow, it's hard to be positive; and yet, there are many studies done that show a connection between mindset and health. As we're looking forward to spring, there's no better time than now to make changes in our lives that will enhance our overall health and well-being.
1. Get a dog: Do you know that it's routine practice for hospitals to bring dogs in to visit with those in long-term care? Dogs have a way of brightening up your spirits. Like a professor of mine said once, "Even if everyone else hates you, the dog'll always love you." In addition to that is the accumulated research showing that dog-owners on average tend to get more exercise thus boosting their overall physical health and well-being. If you're planning to get one, check out your local dog rescue shelter--you'll add to your life and save a dog in the process.
2. Drink coffee: Yes--a little coffee can go a long way to reducing certain kinds of diseases, such as stroke, heart disease, and even Alzheimer's. If you actually sit and enjoy your coffee with a friend that will add even more longevity to your life.
3. Be social: Those who are reclusive have a higher risk of all kinds of health problems. There is mounting evidence that shows a link between social interaction and overall health. There are even some correlations showing the link between social drinking and health, not because of the drinking, but more because of the social interaction.
4. Volunteer: We all have gifts to bring to the world. Good at numbers? How about tutoring kids in need? Are you an artist? How about teaching art to those who don't have access to good art teachers? There are also volunteer opportunities at any local soup kitchen for the homeless etc. When we give of ourselves, we enhance our well-being and overall happiness.
5. Quit smoking: This is obvious, but one that can easily get lost in the cliche. Quitting smoking can add decades to your life; and all it takes is a lot of will power and consistency.
6. Flossing: Another very simple thing that can add years to your life. It takes 3 minutes a couple of times per day, and provides amazing health benefits. Gum disease can be linked to many other health ailments.
7. Sing: This simple vocal activity can heighten your brain functioning, send all kinds of wonderful endorphins through your brain, and elevate your mood. There are great health benefits to singing that add up to longevity over time. If you're singing in a choir or band, then your social activity is augmenting the health benefits.
8. Wine: Just under one glass of wine per day can act as an amazing antioxidant, which means that it aids in the killing of free-radicals--the things in your body that can lead to the actualizing of cancer cells. Too much wine, however, will act as a depressant, thus reversing the initial health benefits.
9. Positive thinking: We've seen in other posts the importance of mindset. There is so much research on the power of the mind to either cause one great stress and despair or tremendous heights of joy and elation. Thinking positively, rather than dwelling negatively on your life, can lead to better decisions that ultimately lead to the opening of better circumstances.
10. Sleep: Good sleeping patterns are critical for longevity and overall health. Some maintain that seven hours of sleep is adequate enough. However, as with everything in life, too much sleep can reverse the benefits. There are links between the number of hours of sleep beyond 7 or 8 and the risk of heart disease.
11. Work standing up: Sitting on the job is the new smoking. More people are getting standing desks for their workplaces, given the stats coming out on the link between sedentary lifestyles and heart disease, stroke, even cancer. If you don't have a standing desk, make one by piling stuff up on your current desk, plunk your computer on it, and hit those keys. There are always solutions.
12. Find meaning: This is one that will serve you all through your life: finding meaning in your life. Do you have a dream? Is there something you feel you need to accomplish in life? By not following your heart toward that thing you need to accomplish you are adding stress and despair to your life. Following dreams are not easy; they often require sacrifice and hard work. If you don't have the answer, don't worry about trying to swallow it all in one bite. Work at bits of it everyday, and you'll find the strength to continue.
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