10 - Practice mindful breathing. Most people are "shallow breathers," taking rapid breaths that enter only the upper portion of the lungs. As you read the rest of this countdown, try focusing on drawing full breaths into your belly so that it expands first. Breathe in as if your lungs are a vessel being poured full of air, until they are filled to the brim. Then, release the breath, until your lungs are free off any stale air. Breathing this way oxygenates the blood, so organs can function at their best. Take a few minutes to focus on your breathing at the beginning and end of each day or whenever you need a moment to refocus and center.
8 - Cleanse Your Internal Systems. Cleansing the body of toxins is a preventive measure at the core of many traditional medical philosophies. Now more than ever, regular cleansing is essential. Our food, air, and water deliver daily doses of toxins that accumulate in the body and inhibit proper function. Plan a full detox at least once a year. It may be seem difficult to sacrifice certain habits at first, but you will be rewarded. Your systems' function will improve and you'll feel light and energized!
7 - Take a Multi-Vitamin. Vitamins and minerals prevent imbalance at the cellular level, the primary level at which illnesses are treated and cured.
6 - Laughter really is the best medicine. It's proven to be one of the most powerful ways to prevent sickness. Laughing alleviates pain, reduces stress, and connects you to others. One hardy belly laugh can boost your immune system's function for up to three days!
5 - De-Clutter. The application of this recommendation is quite expansive, and it's and important tool to have on your belt at all times. Before signing up for another stressful commitment with friends, family, or at work consider how the obligation will effect your spirit. Don't tack on additional "downers," and slowly take steps toward focusing on your goals. Eliminate distractions by turning off your gadgets from time to time so that you can focus on your needs rather that the overflow of outside information.
4 - Sleep. In the past 50 years, the average sleep time has decreased by 1.5-2 hours. Sleep is treated as a luxury, yet hormone release, metabolism and immune function are drastically altered by curtailing sleep. Getting 8 full hours of sleep will minimize stress, stabilize your appetite, and give your mind and body the space it needs to rest and repair.
3 - Drink Plenty of Water. Drink half your body weight in ounces each day ( 140 lbs. / 2 = 70 oz. water ) and more if you are exercising or sick. Try to cut out excess alcohol, sugary/fizzy drinks, and diuretic beverages such as coffee and tea. Avoid drinking during and within 30 minutes of meals for optimal absorption.
2 - Focus on food. See a professional who can address nutritional deficiencies and identify any hidden food allergies. Keep yourself interested in your daily diet by trying out new recipes. Incorporate lots of green and colorful veggies, Indian spices, nuts, whole grains, and fruit. Reduce sugar and caffeine intake, and avoid processed food as much as possible. Eat oodles of fresh, whole, preferably organic foods in their natural state (i.e. berries, apples, carrot sticks, red pepper slices).
1 - Exercise all the time, in ways that you can enjoy. If you hate the gym, quit! Sign up for a dance class or try yoga, participate in charity walks or runs, forgo the elevator for the stairs, walk to the store to pick up the newspaper, and depending on the season do your own raking, mowing, and shoveling. Making exercise a priority is important for so many reasons. It's a preventive measure that lessens the risk of disease while promoting mental, physical, and spiritual fitness.
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