YOUR LIFE DOES NOT GET BETTER BY CHANCE!

 

All of us are born to live and live healthy. Many saints and health experts assert that health is wealth and it is our primary duty to keep ourselves healthy. We also know well that our life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change and life has no remote. Nevertheless, even those people who are financially well-off do not remain normally healthy and disease free. Truly speaking, any amount of medical expenses by self and the government will be insufficient to do away with or drastically curb the incidence of frequent illness among the large majority of our population for many reasons. So, what exactly should you do to address this growing health problem on a sustainable basis? Undoubtedly, through practising better living habits you can very well address these vital issues of your life. Obviously, the end result would definitely be better health and productivity for self and all family members in all places – home, workplace and elsewhere. The bonus will be reduced medical expenses and overall feel-good feeling – the real win-win situation. Let us therefore discuss the main components of healthy living.

Drink Water Properly: It is said that water is life. As such, it is better to learn the art of drinking water - how much to drink, how to drink, when to drink and when not to, so that you can keep your body adequately hydrated and reasonably toxin free thereby reaping significant health benefits. So, depending upon your body type and climatic conditions, you should drink 2 to 4 litres of water daily. Yes, it is better to drink water slowly while seated comfortably. Drinking at least half a litre lukewarm water just after waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night proves extremely beneficial. Experts do advise not to drink water in between any meal and just before or after any meal. Yes, you should drink water at least half an hour before and after any meal.

Eat Right: Taking healthy food means eating a variety of foods that contain nutrients necessary to maintain our health and keep us going. These include protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. In other words, the crucial part of healthy eating is nothing but having a balanced diet. It means consuming eatables from different food groups in the right quantities, as one single food group can’t provide everything an average healthy person needs. Nutritionists opine that there are five main food groups – Fruits; Vegetables; Whole grains; Milk and dairy products, and Egg, fish, meat, nuts, beans etc.  Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables regularly has added advantages. It’s better to say no to junk food items.

Regular Exercise: Starting the day with a few minutes of warm up session is widely recommended by health experts. It is necessary for loosening your muscles as they become stiff while resting for a couple of hours at night. In fact, the body needs to be rightly ready for intense exercise or work-out. If for any reason, you are not going out for a walk, you may very well do spot jumping/running and other free hand exercises for a few minutes. This should be done preferably during morning hours before your breakfast.

Yoga and Meditation: Regular practice of yoga and meditation is simple, easy and cost-less. It has immense health and medical benefits. Besides protecting you largely from minor as well as major ailments, the stress related multiple diseases can very well be prevented and addressed effectively through these activities. This becomes possible due to sustained improvement in your Blood Circulation; Digestion; Immune System; Physical Flexibility; Detoxification Process; Memory Power; Level of Concentration; Awareness & Consciousness; Intuitive Ability; Self-confidence; Energy Level and Peace of Mind.

Sleep Well: Doctors and medical researchers are of the firm view that a good sleep at night is very essential for proper health. Studies have shown that adults sleeping for 7-8 hours every night have fewer chances of contracting one or more diseases in the long run, than those who sleep for fewer hours. The science behind it claims that sleep calms the brain and facilitates the normal hormone secretion necessary for the body's strong defence system as well. It is also interesting to know the deep relationship between sleep and immunity. In fact, a good immune system and good sleep are interdependent and mutually beneficial.

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.  (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)

                    

# Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.