These days we’re bombarded with so many ideas of what it means to be ‘healthy. But what does it actually mean to be ‘healthy’? Is it going to the gym every day? Having glowing hair and skin? Drinking green juices? Walking 10,000 daily steps? How about wearing jogging shoes from dawn until dusk?!
In this post I want to share with you how I gin a healthy mindset. This is not the whole story but a snippet from my new book about Holistic Living which features mindfulness and issues around mental health. I am in process of writing it and be published and made available to you later in the year – so keep a look out for that!
Health and appearance often get confused. Some people judge health on how they look, for example, their body shape and size, but this isn’t always a sure indicator. Everyone is different, and just because someone is bigger or smaller than someone else doesn’t mean they are healthier or unhealthier. There is a lot we don’t know and cannot see.
If asked, ‘what does it mean to be healthy’, each of us will come up with our own version of that question; we all have our personal version of what optimum health and well-being is. I believe that good health, mind, body and soul, whatever it may look like for you, begins with a healthy mindset.
What is a Healthy Mindset?
Decide – A healthy mindset is deciding that Healthy living is about respecting my mind, respecting my body. I can make positive and informed decisions to look after my health while remembering that what goes into my body and what I do with it can affect my mind and spirit (the essence of you) because everything’s connected.
Do– A healthy mindset is taking charge of my own health with consistent action upon what I have decided to care for myself.
Maintain– A healthy mindset is about maintaining my overall health to adapt as my mind, body and spirit grows and changes.
Remember, nothing is more important than looking after yourself. If you don’t look after yourself, how can you be energetic, fit and well to maintain your world’s responsibilities or look after others?
How to maintain a healthy Mind Set
If you view your mind in the same way as you do your body, it will be easier to understand how to look after it. Your mind is not on automatic pilot to be healthy. However, you must maintain its health. Therefore if you have a healthy mind, it follows that you will have a healthy mindset.
Whether it’s seeking out a therapist, playing a sport, or creating art, do whatever it takes to find a way to get and maintain a healthy mind set.
I have found that writing is such a therapeutic practice, it focus my mind and such a great outlet. I practice daily prayers and devotions each morning, and I write my thoughts in a journal. At each day’s end, i pray and sit down to journal. Within 20 words, I jot down my all over days events and make a few comments. This helps me to sort and clear my mind, as one would an email in-box. Have a go at a few things to find what works for you, and make time for that thing as much as possible.
Some other ideas for maintaining a healthy mindset is- :
Writing a blog
Dancing
Working out
Singing
Building something
Making crafts
Walking mindfully
Indulge in regular self-care
I’m a huge fan of self-care. I don’t leave it to the health professionals to care for me. During the off and on lockdowns in the past year, I have found it’s almost impossible to access any kind of professional health care anyway! Regular self-care is about prevention which is far better than cure. If we have a healthy mindset we will DECIDE, DO and MAINTAIN to prevent burn out, stress, and exhaustion. A huge part of living a holistic lifestyle is listening to your body and treating it with love and respect. If you’re body needs a break, let it rest. If you need energy, go for a run. Do the things that help you feel your best!
Thank you for visiting me here. I hope this short guide to holistic living was helpful. Feel like, subscribe or like and free to leave a comment with any questions!
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Paula Rose Parish
Hope. Faith. Love. 