Marching Orders

Many times in life we are told what to do, how to do it and when to do it.  When it comes to your health and wellness you need to follow your own, unique marching orders.  You need to listen to your body, mind, spirit and heart.  So, as you consider how to optimize your health, try and be mindful of one or all of the following:

Why? – Why do you want to be healthy?  No, really WHY?  Honestly answering that question can be the motivation you need to stay committed to optimal living.

Move! – Move whenever you can, You don’t have to go to a gym or attend a class to get your body moving.  You can gain many of the benefits of exercise by moving throughout your day.  Park a little farther away from the entrance, walk and talk while on the phone, read the newspaper standing, crank some tunes, fidget.  Many studies say that the best time to exercise is first thing in the morning, but the best time to move is anytime you can and will.

Pause. – Take a time out and just stop.  Breathe and re-focus on what is really important for you.  You have the power and control to do this whenever you need or want to.

Hungry? – Listen to your body and be mindful of true hunger versus emotional hunger.  It may take a little time to distinguish between the two, but it’s time worth investing.  If you’re not sure if you are physically hungry(usually in between meals and at night after dinner), simply wait 10 minutes and see if the hunger or hankering has subsided.  If it has, then you might want to ask yourself, “What was/am I truly hungry for?” And if you are still hungry in 10 minutes, grab some real, fortifying food and enjoy it.

Connect. – The old-fashioned way…not through technology.  Go out with a friend, attend a community event, join a group, or play with your dog, cat or kids.  Social connections are vital to our complete health.

This month, don’t follow anyone else’s rules.  March to the beat of your body, mind