We talk a great deal about a lifestyle of wellness. It is a BIG subject, a huge goal and a seemingly impossible aspiration to achieve in this modern world. But is it really? Are there somesimple, daily measures to take toward this vital lifestyle of wellness? I believe there are some practical steps, in fact, I’ve identified 10 for the purpose of this article alone; 10 elements that can easily,authentically, and immediately be applied to your journey.
We can enjoy wellness in life. We can overcome the obstacles, challenges, trials, tribulations and all of their negative effects on our wellbeing. With intention, passion, purpose, wisdom and understanding, we can apply these 10 simple principles of a lifestyle of wellnessand reverse the negative impacts of a hectic, crazy, intense world that causes us illness, weight gain, stress and many other crippling problems.
They are:
1. Spend 30 minutes a day or more doing moderate and continuous exercise, incorporating regular strength training, cardio and stretching exercises into your routine.
2. Maintain an active lifestyle, rather than a sedentary one. Walk to the shops when possible, climb stairs instead of taking the escalator, park in the outer parking spaces. Just put that body in motion throughout the day.God gave us joints so we could move, not sit still.
3. Eat regularly throughout the day. Eating 6 small meals, one every 2 to 3 hours is ideal. Include as many lean proteins, quality fats, fresh fruits and vegetables as you can.
4. Make sure you get enough sleep every night to alleviate stress and help you fully recharge, mentally and physically. 8 hours is ideal!
5. Set goals. Work towards short-term and long-term goals, and then reward yourself when you achieve them. No, not with a greasy pizza though! Chose non-food rewards that will motivate you to continue on in the journey.And remember that no matter how small the steps may be, they all contribute to your long-term goals.
6. Make time for family and friends. Set boundaries for work and other distracting elements of your everyday life.
7. Develop your interests and knowledge. Pursue your interests, skills, and gifts. Learn moreabout them and how you can apply them to your lifestyle of wellness.
8. Spend as much time as you can outdoors. Garden, hike, walk around the neighbourhood. Again, put those joints in motion, enjoy the sunshine, the cool breeze and fresh air. Do it every day!
9. Stay away from addictive substances and exercise self-control. Okay, so you’re not smoking crack but there are other addictive substances that won’t land you in jail but will cause harm to your wellness. Coffee can be one. Smoking, of course, is another. Sugar is a BIG one!
10. Stay positive in the difficult times. Keep smiling even in the midst and pay it forward! You’ll be surprised what comesback your way!
Simple, right? Nothing too complicated or overwhelming, just practical, authentic steps toward a lifestyle of wellness. So, what are you waiting for? Take those steps today. 10 steps and you’ll feel 100 fold better for taking them! I promise!
If you want to learn more about creating a lifestyle of wellness, join me today in the Inner Circle of Simply Good Health where you will discover all things related to this pursuit! Today is the day!
~ Carl
Carl Mason- Liebenberg is a Wellness and Weight Loss Specialist, Author, Fitness Coach, and a Leader in Creating a Lifestyle of Wellness.
His passion is for those who suffer from poor nutrition, related illnesses, addictions and overweight conditions; with a specific focus on women. Carl unveils the power of nutrition and fitness to bring recovery, healing, restoration and strength.
Carl has personally experienced what he teaches and continues to study and learn to improve his ability to teach you a Lifestyle of Wellness.
He has recently launched the Ultimate 30 Day Body Reset that you’ll want to be sure to obtain in your journey to authentic wellness. For more information and opportunities please join him at http://www.carlmason-liebenberg.com/.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Liked the ten principles for staying fit, number 10 is the most difficult 🙂
Sulekha recently posted..Anguish
Yes….that can truly be a challenge. I have struggled with that myself this week. But we can do it :-)!
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
Wonderful post Carl!
Don’t we all need such reminders, especially with the lifestyles we tend to lead nowadays!
Yes indeed, exercises are a must for me and the best I do with them are the daily morning walks, which aren’t all that strenuous, yet enough to help you maintain your weight and keep you healthy. And yes, creating a work-family balance is very important, something that ensures that none of the two really suffers.
I wish however that I could get those 7-8 hours of sleep, which again I know is in our hands. I guess it matters a great deal also that the sleep in uninterrupted – continuous sleep, the kind that we can only get at night. Some people tend to sleep less at night and try covering up by sleeping long during the day. That’s alright to a certain extent, but it still doesn’t refresh you as much as a full-night sleep – isn’t it?
Eating small meals is something that I started doing rather recently and perhaps you forgot to mention that ideally we should drink 8-10 glasses of water – another important thing to keep us going. Above all, remain positive – always. 🙂
Thanks for sharing, and am glad you had him over Corinee for reminding us. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Finding Peace Within Yourself
Uninterupted sleep certainly is best and yes, water is crucial! Glad you enjoyed the article! 🙂
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
10 Commandments for healthy lifestyle! Thank you.
Hehe…I like that….may I use that one?
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
Great summary. #10 sure is among the most difficult. Thanks for sharing this Corrine!
OtienoHongo recently posted..Of Coming Back (for lack of a better term)…
Thank you, Otieno! Blessings today!
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
These are great steps, and when I follow them I feel so much better! Right now I’m working to get back in the habit of walking. I am active in other ways, but for some reason, I have drifted away from frequent walks, always so pleasant in my neighborhood. Thanks for the motivation.
Galen Pearl recently posted..Playing the Hand You’re Dealt
Go get ’em Galen!! 🙂
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
sigh… I was just staring at that ‘8’ hours of sleep statement… that is such a luxury for us docs 🙁
Roshan R recently posted..Published in Crimson Fog
I know…but it really makes such a difference!! Do your best, forget the rest 🙂
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
Just recently, I was called back to a corporate headquarters that I worked for last year. This year’s contract puts me one floor below the floor I originally worked on, and that 3rd floor is where all the conference rooms are located. My office door opens out onto the 2nd floor exit to the stairwell, so I’ve been taking advantage of the convenience of the stairs when I have to go to the 3rd & 4th floors for meetings. I’m in pretty good shape, but I was surprised how many unused muscles were felt by the end of that first week, simply from climbing 1-2 flights of stairs!
– Dawn
Dawn recently posted..Three Years
Hehe….excellent! I saw a young girl, maybe 10 a few days ago that was almost in tears because the escalator was not running…she had to walk down the stairs…she asked her mom “what do I do?”… they both hesitated and fussed and took the elevator…so sad…
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
Yes I agree 200% on the active lifestyle and exercise! I’ve been working out more lately and it really helps alleviate stress. And sleep. I am VERY cranky when I don’t get enough sleep. Working on #9 though. I used to be really addicted to coffee. But I am now limiting my intake to one cup a day.
Irene recently posted..The Struggle Within
One cup a day is not too bad! If you are spot on with the others, it can fly!
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
Simple, yet fantastic advice! Thanks for encouraging us all to choose a healthier lifestyle.
Blessings!
Martha Orlando recently posted.."It’s Been a Long, Long Time Coming, but I Know a Change Gonna Come . . ."
So glad you enjoyed the read! 🙂
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
Really good health mantra’s . All of them sound so simple yet are so difficult to do everyday. An active lifestyle helps you be alert and active. The last one is a little difficult to do. Staying positive in difficult times is not so easy as it sounds.
Lazy Pineapple recently posted..Heroine- A Movie Review
No it is not and I have been challeneged in that department big time this week!
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
It is always good when you read a list like this and you are familiar with everything. I can breathe knowing I am doing what I can to be well. Actually the joy I feel is affirmation enough! Great list, Carl!
Heal Now and Forever recently posted..Being Yourself, Being Your Self
I love it!! Glad you are there and that you feel the joy! 🙂
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
Appreciate.Thanks for sharing valuable information
B k Chowla recently posted..BPL SCHEME
You are most welcome!! Have a super day!
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
It’s always good to reinforce principles that lead us to health. The hardest one for me, is the sugar. It’s actually a very real addiction. Usually, I dismiss it as just something funny. But, I know better. So for me, these principles get me closer to getting honest with myself. Thanks.
Myrna recently posted..NOT AN ANGEL, NOT REALLY
Try this…reduce your sugar intake 25 % a week….that will give you enough time to wean off of it!
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
Great post! Any tips on how to consistently achieve #10? I find that one to be absolutely vital because the right mindset drives everything else…
Well, it is and it can be a real struggle. I am incorporating mindest into all my programs now…from weight loss to fitness…I have several experts that offer tips, videos and such to help with that! If I can help let me or Corinne know and we’ll hook you up! 🙂
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Discover Opportunity for Growth
Great post corinne !
Have already integrated some of it, given up riding in the last two months which means more of walking every where, and ofcourse spending 30 minutes for myself for a few stretches and meditate for 20 minutes, have included plenty of water, fruits and early dinner, joined dancing practice with my daughter for one hour daily, for a performance by the mahila group of my area – enjoying myself, learnt to smile at tough times, I get enough sleep, working at goals and re working on managing time.
Brilliant! Way to go! Keep going:-)
Nothing beats keeping fit these days and living a peaceful life. I’m almost good on all ten points except for the last where I fail every now and then. But I try to stay positive as much as I can.
Anne recently posted..It’s my SITS Day!
I love #3 because that’s how my body works but #4 is getting harder as I get older. My body just doesn’t want that 8 hours of sleep a night anymore. Some nights are just 4-5 and I try to go back but can’t fall asleep. I do notice I feel better when I exercise too. Nice steps!
Lisa recently posted..The Crisp Leaves of Fall
Wonderful pointers for a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy mind and a body can accomplish a lot more in life! 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted..The Krishna Key : Ashwin Sanghi
I need to be faithful with the sleep part. I could get as much as 6 hours. But I am more relaxed with my daily travels so my body is also more relaxed.
Family time for me is on Sundays. I spend time with my little nieces at night *if they’re still awake.
I guess I have to give less time to social networking and give space to more reading, writing and painting.
Thanks for this very helpful post 🙂
Melissa Tandoc recently posted..Εφφαθα 2: Take hEARt
I almost do everything except the sleeping part – how I wish I could manage that 8 hours of magical sleep. I really miss it 🙁
Privy Trifles recently posted..Moments (Flash Fiction)