In the world today there seems to be an epidemic of health issues including everything from mental illnesses like depression and anxiety disorders, obesity, chronic fatigue, cancer, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances etc.
Most of these issues I believe are caused by our modern lifestyles and our disconnection from nature.
Stress, in all it’s many forms is wreaking havoc on us as a population. This chronic stress accumulates as we go about our daily lives.
We wake up poorly rested, not having had enough quality sleep because we were up late watching TV or using our computers.
We then shower in water that has chlorine and other chemicals in it that absorb into our skin. Then we go for breakfast and get some processed grain product that’s full of sugar and pretty much devoid of any real quality nutrition.
And on we go with our day. Sitting at desks, looking at screens, performing jobs we may not enjoy. All of these things are sources if stress that if allowed to accumulate can lead to exhaustion and overwhelm.
The time may then come when our systems can no longer deal with everything we’re subjecting them to and degenerative and chronic conditions start to present themselves.
It is usually at this point that we are woken up to the bigger picture of health and start to look for solutions. This is when we need to look at our foundations of health in order to rebuild ourselves and allow our bodies to heal. The six foundations of health as taught through the CHEK institute are as follows:
Thinking, Breathing, hydration, nutrition, movement and sleep.
By looking at these factors we discover that our lifestyles are what determine our health and that unless we address the imbalances that we’ve developed through years of habit and ignorance we will never get ourselves to a state of health and well being.
So the next time you find yourself thinking about wanting to be healthier, instead of looking towards the latest diet or cleanse or miracle pill.
Try asking questions like “Am I thinking positively about my life or am I constantly worried and anxious?”
“Am I breathing deeply and fully with my diaphragm and or quickly and shallow?”
“Do I get enough sleep and wake up feeling refreshed?”
“Am I drinking enough good quality water? Enough = roughly half your body weight in lbs = how many oz you should drink as a baseline
“Am I eating clean and fresh foods that give me adequate nutrition and sustain my energy?”
“Am I moving enough and using my body in a way that promotes health?”
When we start to ask these types of questions we realize that there are many simple, efficient and cost effective things we can start doing immediately in order to build our foundation of health.
When we develop a greater understanding of how to take care of ourselves we open the door to a happier, healthier life.
Without these foundations in place we are destined for a life lacking in vitality and zest. We become like drones, operating at half capacity because we’re so drained and lack the knowledge and energy to change our patterns.
If you’re finding that this rings true in your life then I suggest you pick one thing to try and see how you feel after a week or two.
Consciously drink more water.
Get to bed by 10:30 each night.
Go for a walk each day.
It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you do something to get yourself moving into a healthier direction.
It will be difficult at first as most new things are but if you stick with it you’ll notice that you will feel better and your quality of life will change for the better.
Remember that you’re worth it and that you deserve to look and feel your best.
Your Friend,
Bryan
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