I get asked very often: ”How do I live a healthy lifestyle Dr. Laura?”. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill, no ONE thing that we need to incorporate into our day to day life – there are MANY things.
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
Whenever I am asked this question, I am always hesitant, as explaining a list a mile long can deter people from even making one small change towards wellness. Instead, my answer usually begins in the form of a question: “What are you willing to do?”, as keeping people accountable to their responsibilities really comes down to what they are willing to do. I can suggest many approaches, but at the end of the day, it is really up to YOU.
It is the same as going on a diet tomorrow and throwing out everything in your cupboard. This approach is not sustainable long term. Small steps in the right direction will get you to your goal. When you understand that healthy living is multifactorial you will look at it that way. Like pieces of a puzzle. Our goal in life is to experience and express life to its full potential! As chiropractors, it is our job to help facilitate that expression. When the nerve system is ABLE to process all that we experience in our life, that leads to a full and prosperous experience. That is health.
The Wellness Checklist
When our spine moves properly, through the full range of motion on a consistent basis, it sends signals to our brain to allow it to navigate the world and dynamically take in the data that is coming to it. That is life. So the first checkbox to living a healthy lifestyle would be chiropractic: a spine that moves fully and completely.
Other factors include:
- 8-10 hours of sleep
- Good nutrition
- Meditation and deep breathing
- Positive thoughts
- Reduce chemical load
- Time outside in nature
- Emotional self care
- Being around positive people
- Movement and exercise
- Connection to your life purpose
That may seem like a long list – but don’t get overwhelmed.
It is important to understand that when our spine moves, our brain dials down the stress response and feelings of being overwhelmed. When this happens, THEN we move towards new, optimal and functional choices naturally, and oftentimes, unconsciously.
Happy journey towards health – Dr. Laura
