Dec 6, 2023

Small Change Huge Results

Seven Ways to Stay Healthy

Small changes to our daily habits can make a huge difference in our overall health.

We need to not only rest and recharge. We need sleep in order to do important things like learn new tasks and create new memories where we can focus and react more quickly. Quality sleep is as important to our survival as food and water. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, “...every type of tissue and system in the body – from the brain, heart, lungs to metabolism, immune function, mood, and disease resistance” is affected by sleep. Futhermore, “a chronic lack of sleep, or getting poor quality sleep, increases the risk of disorders including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity.”

Exercise promotes better mental health according to Harvard Medical School. It also helps to prevent symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Studies show that even people who are already experiencing mild cognitive impairment can see remarkable improvement in memory and reasoning. Lowering our risk of multiple types of cancer, we are advised to maintain a regular exercise program since a little exercise can go a long way towards keeping us healthy.

Reading for just 30 minutes a day can offer some of the same benefits as yoga and humor. It reduces stress, improves sleep, provides entertainment while exercising the brain. And as we know, reading improves our knowledge which can in turn enhance our conversational skills.

Spending time in nature can be just what the doctor ordered. The National Foundation for Cancer Research states that patients have less discomfort, stress and take fewer pain medications during recovery when they are exposed to natural sunlight, even if that means viewing through a window vs. closed-up indoors.

Eating more plant-based foods can reduce our risk for some chronic conditions. Foods derived from plants are high in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that work to keep our bodies working in the BEST way. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes like beans, lentils, and peas help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Spending time with those we love can boost our outlook on life. Try taking time to invite a couple of friends over for a game or movie night. If necessary, we can make new friends with people we want to get to know. This way we can incorporate the last bullet into our regimen which is to find ways to laugh.

Surrounding ourselves with people who have a good positive sense of humor increases our odds of laughing more freely. We can find “funny videos” through Youtube channels. Examples are America's Funniest Videos, Christian comedy or Funniest cat and dog videos. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to completely let go and laugh without reservations. As long as we're laughing at the right things and not laughing at people, there's no reason to hold back. Just let it rip! Loving the sound of our laughter can be music to the soul. And the harder we laugh, the more likely others will join in with you!

In conclusion, living better and feeling more positive about the world around us can possibly help us to live happier and more meaningful lives. God created our bodies to heal themselves which is the natural process UNLESS there is some lack of nutrition or some other hindering force. So we should get more sleep, exercise, read, enjoy nature, eat healthier, take time to be with those we love and laugh. Laughter is good medicine!
In the words of William Makepeace Thackeray (what a name!) “A good laugh is sunshine in a house.” And we can all use more sunshine in our lives!

Leatha Foreman 12/06/23 #1037