Body Text Images:
We rundown the best tips to have the best mind, body and soul for 2018
NEW YEAR, new me! How many times have we heard that one? With all the best intentions, trying to stick to this motto usually turns out to be a bit of a myth, and in reality, most fall at the first hurdle. Too many of us set ourselves unrealistic goals and dramatically change our lifestyles to take part in the latest diet fads and current exercise craze.
We have taken a different approach and looked into the things that need to be put into place to ensure you don’t fail. Give yourself a fighting chance and work from the inside out. The key is to start with a fresh approach to your health.
Gym
Never underestimate the power of endorphins. When you exercise, your body releases these wonder chemicals. They interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms in people suffering from anxiety. It can also help them be more aware of their mental state and help to reduce distraction and fear in the mind.
It also doesn’t matter how intense the workout is, your mood can benefit from exercise no matter the intensity of the physical activity. Research has shown that depression on any level is significantly reduced when participating in regular exercise.
Worship your gut
Gut health, as we’ve discussed before is so important to one’s body and mind. What we put in our body has a direct effect on how we feel.
In order to improve your gut health, it is important to cut out foods such as refined carbohydrates, grains, processed foods, artificial sweeteners, antibiotics and anything high in sugar.
Gratitude
The many benefits of practicing gratitude are endless. It is known that people who regularly practice gratitude, by taking the time out to notice and reflect on the things they are thankful for, experience more positive emo- tions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.
Gratitude does not only need to be reserved for momentous occasions – you can also be thankful for something as simple as a delicious plate of food. Research shows that by simply keeping a gratitude journal and regularly writing brief reflections on moments for which we are thankful, can significantly increase well-being and life satisfaction. Here are a few gratitude tips to get you started.
1. Keep a gratitude journal and try to add to it everyday.
2. Tell those close to you that you love them and how much you appreciate them.
3. Notice the beauty in nature each day.
4. Nurture the friendships you have – good friends don’t come along every day.
5. Smile more often.
6. Watch inspiring videos that will remind you of the good in the world.
7. Include an act of kindness in your life each day.
8. Avoid negative media and movies with destructive content.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing on your own awareness of the present moment, calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
The purpose of the meditation is to gain deep rest to purify and re-balance the whole body.
Meditation helps to reduce stress and anxiety, increase awareness and clarity of the mind, and improve physical wellbeing by boosting the immune system and slowing down the raging process.
Benefits
• Encourages a healthy lifestyle
• Increases self awareness
• Lifts depression
Read every story in our hardcopy newspaper for free by downloading the app.