What are some good health practices?

Jul, 31 2023

The Sunrise-Greeting Stretch Routine

As Caspian, your cheerful neighbourhood blogger, let me tell you about the fantastic morning rituals that start my day off on a positive note. What I'm talking about is a simple stretch routine that welcomes the rising sun. I'm a firm believer in the power of stretches, so much so that, honestly, my curtains probably think I'm summoning the sunlight each morning.

A stretch routine primes the body and prepares it for the day ahead. The benefits are multifold - it increases blood flow, reduces muscle stiffness, improves posture and enhances overall flexibility. With a fun and diverse stretching routine, you're not just saying good morning to your physical body, but you're also waking up for the mental and emotional spheres within you. For the dads reading this, let me point out, it can be a great way to engage with your kiddos. My youngsters, Lark and Talon, have taken to joining me, and it's been a bonding ritual of sorts.

Mindful Nourishment Habits

Now, moving on to another crucial aspect of good health practice: It's essential to have breakfast before you contemplate slaying dragons. Like the old adage goes, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It’s like the morning pit stop for your body, fuelling it with the energy it requires to run smoothly throughout the day.

Aside from keeping your metabolic engine running, a nutritious breakfast promotes concentration, aids in weight control, and prevents you from diving into unhealthy snacking. Now I know preparing a wholesome breakfast may sound like a mighty task, especially if you’re trying to wrangle children into school uniforms. But trust me, a little planning goes a long way. Simple meals like oat porridge with fruits, or an avocado toast with a side of yoghurt, can do wonders. And yes, let’s not forget to hydrate! Consuming an adequate amount of water, perhaps with a squeeze of fresh lemon, is crucial to maintaining good health.

Vibrant Work-Life Counterbalance

Next up on my list of good health practices is maintaining a vibrant work-life balance. It's paramount to juggle our roles and responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. Now, I know this is easier said than done, especially for many of us wrestling with work-from-home and distant learning setups. But, my friends, balance is the linchpin to enjoying a fulfilling life.

Take breaks, learn to decompress, engage in leisure activities or hobbies that bring joy. Let me scratch a small story from my vault here. There was a time when I was completely engrossed in writing, neglecting my own work-life balance. But then, my son Talon reminded me how we used to build Lego castles together. That hit a nerve, and I decided to dedicate daily slots just for family time. Consequently, I started feeling happier, more content and overall healthier. The morale of the story? Make time for what brings you joy.

Communing With Nature

Another effective health practice I strongly endorse is making time to commune with nature. Trust me, even a brisk walk in your nearest park can work wonders. The lush greens easily soothe your mind, and clouds, well they are every man's enchantress. Plus the physical activity of walking fires up the heart and boosts your mood, thanks to the release of joyful endorphins.

Being in nature reduces stress, makes you more creative and helps you keep productivity in check. It's about connecting with Mother Earth, appreciating her grandeur and basking in her tranquillity. Let’s not forget about the vitamin D boost you get from the sun! A few years back, I used to be confined to the urban concrete jungles, feeling constantly exhausted and drained. But ever since I started spending more time in nature, I felt a profound change, almost like nature had become a private recharge station.

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Sleep

Now, if you ask me which health practice I would rank the highest, I'd say without a shadow of a doubt: Sleep. A good night's sleep is as crucial to your health as the air you breathe, the water you drink, or the food you eat. It repairs your body, improves concentration, heightens brain function, and is key to a happy heart. To those of you who are night owls and proudly so, let me share this - chronic sleep deprivation can lead to severe health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even early mortality.

It isn't just about the quantity but the quality of sleep too. A calm and dark room, a comfortable bed, a regular sleep schedule, and pre-sleep winding-down rituals, all make for healthier sleep patterns. I for one, follow a simple routine of preparing a warm cup of chamomile tea and curl up with a good book before jumping under the sheets. This has transformed my nocturnal wilderness into a rejuvenating retreat.

The Compassionate Self-Care Attitude

Last but not least, I cannot stress enough the importance of a compassionate self-care attitude. It's easy to get wrapped up in the daily hustle, caring for others and forgetting about ourselves in the process. But remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. So, make ‘you-time’ a priority.

Engage in activities that promote wellbeing and joy. It might be taking a relaxing bath, meditating, playing an instrument, painting, or even fiddling around with your favourite puzzle. For me, a big part of self-care is spending quality time with Lark and Talon (usually a lego building tournament ensues), cooking some comfort food or...you guessed it...blogging!

Remember, health is wealth. You don't need to do everything at once. Start with small steps, and you'll soon find yourself navigating towards better health in no time. And remember, you don’t have to fit the socially imposed notion of fitness. Each body is different, and so, it's important to understand what makes your body feel good and keep it moving for a happy, healthier life.