Playing Body Nice
This week we will explore self-care of the body when all is well. In recent years a revolution in healthcare has led to a major change in attitudes. 50 years ago we only went to the doctor when we were sick. (Actually, many times the doctor came to us when we were sick.) But we very seldom saw a doctor unless something was wrong. Today, most people, if they can afford it, have regularly scheduled appointments for “check-ups” to forestall getting sick. We still seek out a doctor when we are sick, but preventative care has become the standard. Regular checkups, eating well, getting adequate rest and exercise are the usual ways that we “play nice” with our bodies.
Watch your diet. The old computer programming saying applies, “Garbage in…Garbage out!” One of our Doctor’s at Vantage Hospice noted that he seldom sees an overweight 100 year old. That’s because they eat the smallest amount of food that is most densely packed with nutrients. It is ok to “Live to eat!” from time to time but our everyday diet needs to focus more on eating to not just live, but to live well.
Give your body a little run – or at least a brisk walk. Not everyone needs to run a marathon regularly. But we all need to exercise the heart and lungs a bit. Always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. But is never hurts to pick up the pace a little on your daily walking. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Stretch out your steps and give them a bit of a work out. If your knees can take it, do an occasional deep knee bend after you have been sitting at your desk or driving for a while. In short, play nice and give your body a little exercise.
Rest it up. Studies show that the average hours of sleep in America has steadily fallen. We stay up too late and get up too early. Many health professionals recommend between 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. But with longer commutes and more productivity being demanded in an increasingly competitive workplace, people are getting 4-5 hours per night. In addition, being overweight increases our chances for sleep apnea which, if left untreated, destroys the quality of those few hours of sleep. Our body needs rest, Getting a good, solid period of rest each night will help keep us healthy.
Drink plenty of water. With the heavy marketing of sugared and carbonated drinks, the enjoyment of plain old fresh water has fallen. In recent years, many people have re-discovered the joy of water. Unfortunately, we still do not drink enough. Dehydration is a very real problem in our everyday world. Water is vital to every aspect of our physical life and without it we develop all kinds of health issues. Mayoclinic.org reports that even mild dehydration can “drain your energy and make you feel tired.” Studies suggest that the old rule of “Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid each day” is a good rule of thumb. But our actual needs may vary based on our overall health, our level of activity, and where we live.
The most important thing we can do for our body when everything is working well, is to learn to appreciate it by learning to accept it just the way it is. Take care of it. Our lives depend on it. Play nice with your body. It is your original lifelong companion!
Watch your diet. The old computer programming saying applies, “Garbage in…Garbage out!” One of our Doctor’s at Vantage Hospice noted that he seldom sees an overweight 100 year old. That’s because they eat the smallest amount of food that is most densely packed with nutrients. It is ok to “Live to eat!” from time to time but our everyday diet needs to focus more on eating to not just live, but to live well.
Give your body a little run – or at least a brisk walk. Not everyone needs to run a marathon regularly. But we all need to exercise the heart and lungs a bit. Always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. But is never hurts to pick up the pace a little on your daily walking. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Stretch out your steps and give them a bit of a work out. If your knees can take it, do an occasional deep knee bend after you have been sitting at your desk or driving for a while. In short, play nice and give your body a little exercise.
Rest it up. Studies show that the average hours of sleep in America has steadily fallen. We stay up too late and get up too early. Many health professionals recommend between 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. But with longer commutes and more productivity being demanded in an increasingly competitive workplace, people are getting 4-5 hours per night. In addition, being overweight increases our chances for sleep apnea which, if left untreated, destroys the quality of those few hours of sleep. Our body needs rest, Getting a good, solid period of rest each night will help keep us healthy.
Drink plenty of water. With the heavy marketing of sugared and carbonated drinks, the enjoyment of plain old fresh water has fallen. In recent years, many people have re-discovered the joy of water. Unfortunately, we still do not drink enough. Dehydration is a very real problem in our everyday world. Water is vital to every aspect of our physical life and without it we develop all kinds of health issues. Mayoclinic.org reports that even mild dehydration can “drain your energy and make you feel tired.” Studies suggest that the old rule of “Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid each day” is a good rule of thumb. But our actual needs may vary based on our overall health, our level of activity, and where we live.
The most important thing we can do for our body when everything is working well, is to learn to appreciate it by learning to accept it just the way it is. Take care of it. Our lives depend on it. Play nice with your body. It is your original lifelong companion!
Tips – A Blessing Bath
The Ancient Celts believed in prayer throughout the day for even the most mundane tasks. They would have a prayer for starting the morning fire or washing the breakfast dishes. In this tradition, I suggest you begin to take a Blessing Bath to help you learn to appreciate, accept, and celebrate your body.
When you take your shower or bath, pause as you clean each part of your body and name a reason why that part is important to you. Try to find a different reason for each part each day.
As you feel your body becoming clean, experience the very life that flows through your veins and fills your lungs. Allow the water to wash away your disappointments and restore the wonder that it deserves. It is more than an organic machine. It is an intricate miracle of creation that has been crafted over millions of years. And it is all yours!
Be sure and end your bath with words of appreciation for all that your body allows you to be and do.
When you take your shower or bath, pause as you clean each part of your body and name a reason why that part is important to you. Try to find a different reason for each part each day.
As you feel your body becoming clean, experience the very life that flows through your veins and fills your lungs. Allow the water to wash away your disappointments and restore the wonder that it deserves. It is more than an organic machine. It is an intricate miracle of creation that has been crafted over millions of years. And it is all yours!
Be sure and end your bath with words of appreciation for all that your body allows you to be and do.
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