by Elizabeth Bounds

Created on: August 13, 2009

Seven Steps to a Healthier Future

Most of us already know the phrase, Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Unfortunately, few of us know that right now is where today begins. Still, that's when a healthier future actually begins, and these seven steps don't need to be taken in any particular order; each has the power, if diligently applied, to create the lasting beauty and vitality we know stems from true wellness.

Take a Break! Personally, I like to begin with the easiest steps because early success leads to delight, confidence, and motivation. But mastering this step is trickier than you might think. Work-breaks don't need to be long, but they don't like timers, schedules and clocks. For breaks to work well, they have to work with you, and you have to work with them, and breaks work better when they are daily and regular. Depending on the work you're doing, it can take as little as twenty minutes for stress to start building up in your body. To begin this step remind yourself to take a true mental and physical break and be certain it lasts at least five minutes for every twenty minutes worth of work or labor.

Do something that is both genuine and relaxing and if the opportunity arises to laugh, do so joyfully. Take a moment to have a glass of water or juice or tea, and read the funnies. If you have been moving frantically or engaged physical labor, take your break sitting in the stillness for a while. Really get into, having your break. Singing encourages correct breathing and also releases endorphins, so take a moment to rock out. If you have been sitting or standing still, get up and move! Recall all those five minute stretches to better health? This is a great time to tone your muscles and get your circulation flowing properly again. Taking work-breaks helps refocus the mind and soothes the body. Use this step to a healthier future whenever you notice yourself feeling achy, cramp

I recommend:

Taking a break between tasks

Shortly after arriving at home

At the halfway mark of longer projects

And whenever you find yourself slowing down, yawning, or feeling antsy.

I don't recommend:

Eating any junk food or soda

Playing a computer game

Educate Yourself! The only way to achieve health is to know what health is and how it works. Unfortunately, many of us do not study the healthy functions of the body, only the dysfunctions which plague us so. In truth, many of us are not educated about health at all. Instead, we have

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