When we think of healthy living, many consider a variety of dietary options, exercise or a number of other individual or combined solutions. The truth is, taking a holistic approach to healthy living is always best in order to achieve maximum results. Let me take a moment to define “holistic” just to ensure we are on the “same page.” This is about treating the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the physical symptom or condition. In other words, we look at the individual as a whole; a physical, mental, social, and spiritual being.
There are many regiments to healthy living today, some quite costly. Yet, sometimes we just need to go back to the simple basics of life and reset our lifestyle choices to maintain good health. Simple is always good, right? Well, how about simple, realistic and achievable? Let’s consider the simple things that we can all achieve if we would put our minds to it.
This article presents an overview of the far-reaching health benefits of the 8 Natural Laws for Healthy Living,with references to other resources in case you care to take a deeper dive. Here’s the cool thing! These natural resources are free. Freely given to humanity in aid of man’s journey to healthy living. So, whether you are on the road to recovery or just want to maintain good health, this is a good place to start. So let’s begin our overview:
The human body is made up of approximately 75% water. The brain itself consists of approximately 78% water. This is an indication of the importance of water in the proper functioning of our minds and bodies. We literally need to bathe our internal organs by daily water replenishment in order to sustain optimal health. You see, water helps the body with hydration and constipation, and physical healing. It also helps with mental clarity, weight loss, and removing toxins internally and externally, among other things. With that said, we should wash our exterior bodies daily. We should also consume at least 8 glasses of pure water per day for optimum health. If you are not already doing so, it’s not too late to start. Note that sodas and juices cannot substitute for pure water. Our bodies need replenishment of PURE water to function optimally.
Water also helps our environment in several ways. This includes the supply of negatively charged fresh air, which improves our sense of wellbeing. In my discussion on the 5 Health Benefits of Water that Promote Healthy Living, you will see the important role it plays in our health. Later I will explore its interaction with other natural elements in our environment that also promote health and wellbeing.
Healthy human life cannot be sustained without air for more than a few minutes. The fact is we need oxygen to stay healthy and in rejuvenation. Fresh air contains a large quantity of oxygen. This naturally helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition, many have found great success in mental health through the regular practice of deep breathing exercises.
The best air is found outdoors, ideally near a body of running water. This produces negatively charged air, which we will discuss later. Today, many of us find it difficult to get good quality outdoor air, away from pollution. Yet, in general, it is far better than indoor air. Indoor air is said to be as much as 5-times more polluted. This is because many keep their doors and windows closed for safety, as well as to stay cool with air conditioning. As a result, there is little to no recycling of fresh air from outside so we continue to breathe stale air. However, what we may not realize is that our carpets, furnishings and cleaning solutions produce toxic gases that threaten our wellbeing.
A broader discussion continues in the 3 Benefits of Fresh Air in Healthy Living.
With the belief that food is medicine, proper nutrition is vital to our wellbeing. It is important to have a well-balanced diet that provides ample fiber and nutrients while avoiding toxins, pesticides, allergens, and other harmful substances. I find that it is healthier to eat more natural than processed foods. Natural foods include fruits, nuts, grains, vegetables, herbs, and spices. These are nutritious, especially when properly combined and prepared in a variety of ways. Natural foods are enjoyable when prepared and presented in a balanced, wholesome, and tasty way.
Proper nutrition in the right quantity is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle. The 5 Ways Good Nutrition Promotes Healthy Living looks deeper into nutrition.
Temperance is important in giving us a healthy balance in life. Moderate choices and use of things that are good and healthy and abstaining from the things that are unhealthy is key. Temperance helps us with when to start and stop and when to hold on and let go. These are the necessary decisions in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This topic is such a big discussion as it relates to health and wellness. In my discussion on How Temperance Bolsters Healthy Living, I look at work-live balance, stress management, food consumption and much more.
Sleep is important for rebuilding the body and refreshing the energy level. Between seven to nine hours of sleep per night is considered healthy, with regularity in wake time. However, rest is not limited to sleep. Sometimes, relaxing and finding healthful ways to decompress can also do the trick. Learn more about the importance of good sleep hygiene and relaxation mindset and techniques in Why Rest Is Important For Healthy Living
Exercising for at least half an hour for five days per week is a healthy goal. We can begin with walking and then build up to a more rigorous exercise regiment, if permissible. This is what happens after we exercise. The body is rejuvenated, excess calories are used up, and the body is physically fit for daily activities. You see, the human body was created to thrive on motion, and is kept running through the adequate exercise of the joints and muscle.
Exercise not only strengthens the muscles. It also increases circulation, aids digestion, relaxes the nerves, raises endorphins and balances the emotions. It is a critical component in increasing our resistance to diseases as well as helping to build and maintain good body figure and complexion. That means is not only helps you with your health but it enhances physical appearance. How Exercise Enhances Healthy Living expands on these concepts.
Sunlight is important for eyesight and Vitamin D production. Now, what’s so important about Vitamin D? It helps us build strong bones. Vitamin D helps us to absorb calcium and phosphorus in our intestinal tract and the proper amount of minerals in our bones. It is also critical for good mental health as can be seen in Winter Blues Seasonal Affective Disorder.
To be sure you get some sunshine in your day, try spending 15 minutes in the early morning sunlight. This is a good way to start your day. Besides being a mood builder, appropriate exposure to sunlight helps in fighting cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
When an individual has a healthy relationship with God, it generally leads to happiness, peace and good mental health. God is the beginning of all creation and because He created all, He knows all and sees all. A relationship with Him should lead to healthy thinking and practices which produce a healthy lifestyle. However, since we are all on a journey of learning, we are all still a work in progress; we are continually working toward this end. I must admit that trusting in and leaning wholly on God is not always easy but I am constantly growing in grace. Yet, I can truly say that the 8 Natural Laws for Healthy Living, when practiced, promises a life of health; way above the average standard that the world is accustomed to.
To keep these 8 Natural Laws for Healthy Living in your memory here is an acronym for you – “WANT REST.” I’ll tell you the short version of the story behind this acronym. Several years ago, as I laid awake restless and exhausted in the wee hours of the morning (I had such difficulty falling asleep) I was impressed with this acronym. With much thought into what this meant, I finally realized that it lined up with the 8 Laws of Health. I immediately felt compelled to write this series from what I had learned practicing these lifestyle principles. After years of neglect, It’s finally completed; I feel like such a weight has been lifted off my shoulders as I no longer feel the guilt of neglect. There is so much more I could have added but that will likely be done in future articles. I trust you will find value in this series.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
3 John 1:2
No matter where you are in your journey to healthy living, please consider adopting the 8 Natural Laws to Healthy Living. I suggested getting your sunlight first thing in the morning. While you’re at it, how about getting some fresh air and a bit of outdoor exercise at the same time? Be sure to hydrate yourself with water before and after exercise, and then grab a nutritious breakfast thereafter. Now try to balance your activities throughout the day, and finally rest well at night. That would cover (1) sunlight, (2) fresh air, (3) exercise, (4) water, (5) nutrition. (6) If you are like me, then you would have connected with your Creator before you rise. (7) Temperance (8) Rest. See how simple it is to begin? Try different combinations until you find one that works for you.
I assure you there is nothing to lose here. In fact, by exploring the deeper topics in this series, and adding them to your daily routine, you will be embracing the path to holistic health and wellbeing. Best of health to you.
PS ~ Some of the best things in life are free and in abundance.
Any health advice issued by this site is not a substitute for medical treatment or diagnosis by a doctor. Recipes that suggest the ingestion of essential oils should be approached with caution. While essential oils are very beneficial when used topically or for their aromas, ingestion is typically not recommended. Life with Jan does not sell or promote the use of essential oils for consumption.
Not on Facebook? Leave your comment in our standard comment form.
Facebook Comments