The gift of health can feel elusive and fleeting. Aches and pains may be a daily part of life, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of things to be grateful for about your body.
Your body is working hard for you every day — pumping, digesting, eliminating, circulating, detoxifying, moving and processing. No matter what else is going on physically, there is always a reason to celebrate the miracle of all the functions of your body that you don’t need to think about!
Celebrate your body by accepting it, flaws and all, as well as by showing your gratitude for the gift of life by taking care of yourself in simple ways each day.
Give Yourself More Zzzzs
Log off your devices one or two hours before bed. The habit of checking your phone, watching TV or scrolling through social media is a tough one to break, but you’ll feel much more rested if you take in some screen-free time before bed. Make a list of other ways to spend your evening, such as listening to music, doing a puzzle, stretching, reading or taking a relaxing shower or bath.
Get to sleep before midnight. It turns out that for every hour of sleep you get before midnight, your body experiences twice the replenishment as it does in the hours after midnight. So every hour counts double. Challenge yourself to go to bed earlier, knowing you’re getting twice the benefits. Aim to be asleep by 10 p.m. to get the most restorative sleep.
Ease into these different nighttime routines by rolling back on screen time or a late bedtime in 15-minute increments. Melatonin is a good tool for this, as it resets your circadian clock. You may only need it for a short time to work your way back to earlier slumber.
Move It
Whether it’s five minutes out of every hour or 30 minutes three times a week, find fun ways to move the 600 muscles in your body. You’ll keep your lymph and immune systems happier, have more energy and reduce stiffness and pain.
Natural changes to the body as we age can lead to a gradual loss of muscle, reduced energy and achy joints. These changes may make it tempting to move less and sit more. The less you move, the more you can raise your risk for disease, disability and even death.
Don’t Overfeed Your Body
Never mind the adage about cleaning your plate; it’s OK to leave food uneaten. A sure way to improve your chances for a longer, healthier life is to shed excess weight, which limiting your caloric intake will support. All restaurant portions are way too big. If eating out, automatically ask for a leftovers box and pack half your meal to take home, or split the meal with someone.
Eat Seasonally
Seasonal food is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. Also, unlike out of season produce, which is harvested early in order to be shipped and distributed to your local retail store, crops picked at their peak of ripeness are also better tasting and full of flavor. If it’s cold outside, eat warm soups and stews. You can still eat your greens sautéed or in cooked dishes during winter. Challenge yourself to try a new seasonal food — pick a new squash or green to sample.
Don’t eat any food with guilt
The key to healthy, happy body and mind is to engage fully in life — mentally, physically and socially. Don’t beat yourself up for straying from good healthy habits now and again. In fact, adding a cheat meal once a week has helped many dieters achieve their goals. Aim to do something nourishing for yourself daily, something that shows your appreciation for the miracle that is your body.
Article from Centered Magazine https://www.statecollegemagazine.com/articles/5-ways-to-thank-your-body-every-day/
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