My aim here is to share with you some of the most powerful natural ways to maximise your health and vitality. These are the same strategies my healing clients benefit from. I have found that the people who follow this advice can significantly increase their energy levels and maintain long term health and wellbeing.
This article outlines my “Top 5 tips for health and vitality” These are the tried and tested tips and advice I give to all my new patients:
1 Drink the correct amount of water every day
Most people are chronically dehydrated. Our body is 70% water and unless we give it the vital fluid it needs, our cells actually start to die. Every cell in the body, requires constant hydration to ensure optimum health. There is a conversion chart for deciding how much pure water a person should be drinking each day. Hospitals use this same conversion to decide how much water a person on an IV drip needs in a 24 hour period. To calculate your optimum water intake, follow this simple conversion:
Divide your body weight in pounds by 2 to get the amount of pure water you should drink each day in fluid ounces.
N.B. 16 fluid ounces = 1 pint. 2.2 pints = 1 litre.
This means that if you weigh 10 stone (160 Pounds), each day you need to drink:
160/2 = 80 fluid ounces = 5 pints or 2.3 litres
Start drinking more water today. Your body will thank you and your energy levels will soar.
2 Eat breakfast every morning between 7 and 9am
Your body follows daily rhythms and patterns. Certain organs have times of peak activity. For the stomach, this time is between 7 and 9 every morning. At this time, our body is most receptive to taking in vital nutrients. It is therefore essential that you eat a good breakfast every morning. If this window is missed, you will not be able to make up for it later in the day. Conversely the stomach is least active between 7pm and 9pm so this is the worst time to have your biggest meal of the day. When people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day they are not joking. To maximise your nutrient intake follow the adage “Breakfast like a King/Queen, lunch like a Prince/Princess, dinner like a pauper”.
3 Most nights be asleep by 11pm
Nighttime is when your body goes into growth and repair mode. New cells are made and the whole body regenerates. It is therefore essential that you make the most of this period. It has been show scientifically that the period between 11pm and 8am is when the most fitful sleep is possible. According to the ancient Chinese 11pm marks the start of a new phase of activity, characterised by physical and mental rejuvenation. Obviously the odd late night does no harm but if you regularly go to bed after 11pm your body will not get the full benefits of a good night’s sleep.
4 Take cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes 3 times each week
Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin. These are chemicals in the brain responsible for the feeling of well-being and happiness. It also stimulates the heart and circulatory system, and increases the body’s capacity to take in and use oxygen. Every cell in the body needs a constant supply of oxygen to create energy. Regular exercise has also been proven to reduce stress levels.
5 Get out in nature
If you can take your exercise in the park or the countryside, even better. Not only will you benefit from the fresh air coming into your lungs, but you will feel even more invigorated and relaxed. Research has shown that direct contact with nature can lead to:
– Relaxation and stress reduction
– Decreased mental fatigue, restored mental clarity, and increased sense of well-being
– Decreased use of health care services
This makes so much sense when you think of the sense of ease and well-being you can get from even a short walk in nature.
City life has cut us off from the natural environment in which we evolved. Our bodies must adjust to the seasonal and daily cycles if we are to maintain optimum health. It is this contact with nature that keeps us healthy and in tune with the natural rhythms.
That’s all for now. I hope you’ve enjoyed these simple yet effective tips. More importantly, I hope you implement them. The benefits you see will dependent on consistency, but the rewards for your health and well-being will be more than worth it.