Nature is complex, so we don't have to be. It isn’t broken or deficient; true self-healing comes from embracing the seven principles of health that have been recognised and tested over thousands of years. While many associate a healthy lifestyle solely with food, it actually encompasses a range of factors. Throughout history, people have understood that these seven foundational principles are key to cultivating a vibrant and healthy life.
1. Air
Fresh, moving air is essential for our lungs to deliver oxygen to our cells. Taking deep breaths—in through the nose and out through the mouth—helps oxygenate and energise the body. To improve indoor air quality, consider adding plants like Peace Lilies, Areca Palm, and Mother-in-Law's Tongue, which can filter out harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, many of us spend too much time in stale indoor air, often worsened by air conditioning or heating. A healthy respiratory system needs clean air, so open windows for fresh air when possible or use fans to keep the air circulating if you’re stuck inside.
2. Water
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, sluggishness, and difficulty concentrating, yet many people may not recognize these signs. Hydration is essential for good health, so start your day by drinking a liter of water upon waking; this helps hydrate your digestive system and sets a positive tone for the day. A useful guideline is to drink one liter of water for every 22 kilograms of body weight. Incorporating high-water-content fruits like watermelon can also enhance hydration. Since the human body is about 70% water and the brain around 85%, it's clear that water is vital for overall well-being.
The healthiest water in nature is pure spring water, which is sourced from natural springs where water flows to the surface from underground aquifers. This water is typically rich in minerals and nutrients, having been naturally filtered through layers of rock and soil, which contributes to its purity and taste. Alternatively, you can invest in an inexpensive distiller to purify tap water. To reintroduce minerals, place the distilled water in a glass container in sunlight with a pinch of natural sea salt. This process helps ionize the water, enriching it with essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron within about 15 minutes.
3. Sunshine
Sunshine is vital for both physical health and emotional well-being. It provides essential vitamin D, which supports bone health, immune function, and mood regulation, while its warmth and brightness can uplift our spirits. Sunlight sustains life on Earth by nourishing plants that produce the air we breathe and form the basis of the food chain. However, prolonged darkness during winter can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), emphasizing the mental health challenges tied to a lack of sunlight. Safe sun exposure is crucial, as lighter skin tones require less time to generate vitamin D compared to darker skin tones. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables can also help protect the skin from sun damage, and using natural sunscreens like zinc oxide offers a safer barrier against UV rays.
To fully benefit from sunlight, consider practices like sungazing during safe hours and avoid sunglasses, which may interfere with hormone production. Embrace the sunshine to enhance your health and happiness!
4. Movement
Get the body moving—life is movement! Find a sport or type of exercise that you love and commit to it. At a minimum, aim to walk for 30-45 minutes almost every day, as the human body is designed for walking. This simple activity is one of the best, most natural forms of exercise, requiring no gym membership and just a step outside your front door.
Studies show that walking for 30-45 minutes daily can add, on average, up to 18 years to your life. It’s low-impact, strengthens your overall body function, and boosts emotional well-being. Plus, walking outdoors allows you to connect with nature and breathe in fresh, clean air, which benefits your respiratory system. Unlike walking on a treadmill, being outside stimulates your senses in a unique way.
Try to walk in the morning if possible; it’s an excellent way to set a positive tone for your day mentally, physically, and emotionally. While you can certainly incorporate other exercises into your routine, always include walking for its foundational health benefits.
5. Wholefoods
A diet rich in whole foods offers numerous benefits, including disease prevention, improved mental well-being, and sustainable energy. Whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, are packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals that help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers by protecting our cells from damage and lowering inflammation. Additionally, these nutrient-dense foods support brain function and mood regulation, contributing to emotional stability and cognitive health.
Whole foods promote sustained energy levels without the crashes associated with processed foods high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats. Their high fiber content aids in weight management by enhancing feelings of fullness and supporting digestive health. By incorporating a variety of whole foods into our diet, we nourish our bodies with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fostering optimal nutrient absorption and overall vitality. Embracing whole foods not only enhances physical health but also nurtures mental well-being, making them a fundamental component of a balanced lifestyle.
6. Healthy Relationships
What you consume is crucial, but equally important is the company you keep. Relationships, especially intimate ones, can bring immense joy or pain throughout our lives, making it essential to surround ourselves with positive, loving, and supportive individuals whenever possible.
Your relationships encompass everyone from your partner and family to friends and colleagues. Each person you invite into your life influences you, either uplifting you or dragging you down. Therefore, it’s vital to be intentional about your social circle. Be aware of toxic relationships that drain your energy, and consider what you can do to heal those connections if they matter to you. However, if you’ve exhausted your efforts and the relationship remains detrimental, it may be best to let it go for everyone’s emotional well-being.
Appreciate those who share your life and recognise the positive contributions you bring to each relationship. A mindset of gratitude and positivity can inspire similar feelings in others. By placing yourself in healthy environments and surrounding yourself with uplifting individuals, you can become the best version of yourself and foster new friendships with those who share your values and aspirations.
7. Passion
Embrace passion in your life and share it with others. The term "passion" signifies something that energizes you, bringing fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment. It adds meaning to your life and can take many forms, whether it's a hobby, a sport, music, or even learning a new language.
Your passion might be anything from knitting, running marathons, cooking, traveling, or reading, to writing or launching side businesses. Essentially, it’s anything that gives you joy and a sense of purpose. The key is to engage in your passions regularly, as doing so offers emotional fulfillment that positively impacts your health and well-being.
These are the seven principles of health: simple, time-tested, and proven to be effective. By embracing them, you can lead a truly fulfilling life and prevent disease, creating a strong foundation for your overall well-being.
Thanks for reading!