Let’s admit it, being and staying healthy and happy is work. Yet, it is work with the greatest reward, a fulfilled, long, prosperous life, full of love and joy. It is often a journey to find out what it is that makes us happy and healthy and better yet, how to fit it into a busy schedule. The number one way to make it happen is to prioritize. Only you and you alone know what it is that will make YOU happy and healthy and then after that, only you can make it happen.

 

Although some things may seem to bring temporary happiness, in the end they are unhealthy, when done it excess. Often those things, and we all know what they are for each of us, only bring a fleeting form of happiness. It is known that there are things that are bad for one’s health when done in excess. Some examples of these may be use or should I say abuse of electronics, alcohol, smoking, drugs, caffeine, food, shopping, and the list goes on. Even though sleep is healthy, in excess it is bad for you. Adversely, depriving oneself of all the things in life that are supposed to be ‘bad’ for your health can in fact be bad for your health. This is also imbalanced.  Perfectionism and extremism can destroy happy healthy cells and lead to illness. What I love about chinese medicine is that the way to living a harmonious life is through balance. It is the line that spins in the middle of the yin/yang symbol, it is the spinning, the space between, and the way black and white are both necessary, it is what creates harmony. It is like a dance.

 

Taking care of our selves is often like a dance as well. It’s about finding a balance. It’s also about being honest with our selves about what is truly healthy for us and whether or not we are truly happy. I had a friend tell me the other day how shocked she was about how many daily hours she spent on Facebook. She had downloaded an app that monitored her Facebook usage. Shocked, she decided to make a change. Nothing is inherently wrong with social media usage, but when it takes away from showing up to live your life in the present moment than it is negatively affecting your health. Connecting with live human beings whether it is a friend or someone in line at the coffee shop is healthy and can often brighten your day.

 

Many people tell me that they don’t have time to take care of themselves. When I tell them some of the ways to change their lifestyle to help them heal from their condition, at first it can seem impossible to them. With some coaching and guidance they eventually understand that making these changes creates health and happiness.  Most importantly they are enjoying their life again.

 

Everyone has different needs to make them healthy and happy. Some may need to sleep more and some to sleep less, some to exercise more and some less. When I give you my top 5 recommendations for a healthy happy life, please know that each person is in need of different dosages of the prescribed formula. It’s really quite simple but the effort is in continuous conscious choices. Most importantly enjoy the rewards of your efforts.

 

• BREATH. Breathe deeply and connect to your breath. It can be that simple. Meditation is a way to have a happy and healthy life even when you are not meditating. The effects are long lasting and now scientists are finding that you can actually change the structure of your brain by doing so. There are many forms of meditation. If you cannot sit then try QIGONG, TAIQI, or walking. Once again, connecting consciously to your breath. You can even do a quick meditation in line at the grocery store. Just focus on your breathing. They say to meditate 20 minutes a day, unless you are really busy then an hour. The oractice actuall gives you more time by creating a healthy, open, efficient mind.

• FOOD/WATER. Drink enough water but not too much. Drink water that has minerals in it. Drink water that is pure. Drink water at room temperature. Drink hot water brewed with medicinal teas, or add lemon and local honey. As for food, I love Michael Pollan’s saying, “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” That about sums that up. Do you know what 8 cups of veggies looks like?  That’s a great daily intake. It is a known saying in chinese medicine, ‘Eat a rainbow a day.’

• MOVEMENT. The couch may seem really appealing after work, but often exercise is the better choice. Sure some days the couch is! But more often when the stagnation in our bodies is moved then we feel better. Not to mention the release of endorphins. Of course it is good to balance the type of exercise you do. Cardio, endurance, yoga, dance, walking, TaiQi, QiGong, and so on. There is Yin exercise and Yang exercise. If you run every day it would be good to do some slow yoga or QiGong to help build your energy too.

• LOVE. You do not have to be married or have a family. People are in need of love everywhere and the more you give the more you receive. Not to mention you yourself are deserving of your own love. Donating your time and energy to help others often feeds this aspect of health. If you are not giving love to yourself, you will have to start there, and this can be hard work for some. Keep at it. The people you surround yourself with will also create health and happiness, so choose wisely. Surround yourself with friends who give support, laughter, and inspiration.

• CREATIVITY. It is important to balance both sides of the brain. Work, work, work, and no play is not healthy. In what ways do you feed your creativity? Some for me are photography, cooking, writing, and most recently Ikebana: flower arranging.

 

Lastly, I would not as healthy as I am without my Doctors. I write this honestly and openly. I think it is important for everyone to have a team of people or at least one, who is helping ensure their health and happiness. I would like to add, that with enough guidance and knowledge of what your personal best health entails, that you yourself can be your best Doctor. Know thyself and heal thyself. And on that note I must sleep. Although not listed in the above 5 ways, sleep is essential. zzzzzzzzzz