Meditate & Medicate

how to stay healthy in a busy city

It’s May and any new year resolutions (that have been kept) should be well underway and the change in season is likely to begin to take its toll. Whether you’ve set an intention or goal to achieve, it may have taken up the best part of the first part of the year, and although it’s important to stay on point in the fast paced climate we live in, as we transition into spring, health is equally as important. Here are some tips on how to stay healthy in a busy city.

sleep

This is probably one of the most important as sleep has many restorative qualities on the mind and body that we tend to forget and only remember when we’re tired and run down. You can check out our article on the importance of sleep for a full run down. Sleep helps our body save and restore energy so when we are rested we wake up feeling recharged and ready for another day. It’s commonly discussed that creative people can suffer from insomnia or work better at night (I’m guilty of that) so if possible, factoring a nap into the day will give you that energy boost that aids your immune system leaving you less susceptible to colds and viruses.

balance

Are you doing too much at once? You’re not the only one but there are ways to ensure you are balanced and staying sane. Remember to breathe, meditation is a healthy way to start and/or end your day day. Prioritise, try and stay focused and don’t allow your mind to get too scattered. If you get regular headaches or suffer from dizziness lavender has a calming and relaxing influence. Managing your time also allows you to focus on one thing at one time.

Single pointed focus, or mindfulness is centering your mind on the task at hand and a great way to improve your concentration. With that you can achieve balance in your work and each job is likely to be executed to the best of your ability.  From writing an email, to making a cup of tea or reading a book give it your complete attention, which will leave your mind and nervous system steady and calm. When you are working take breaks from the computer, get some fresh air or even just have a conversation. Slow down and take time – don’t let time take you (it’s all an illusion anyway, but that’s for another day).

have fun

It’s not that deep! Life is to be embraced, love and appreciated. Surround yourself with people you love, doing things you love to do (even if that includes part of your work). Don’t cut yourself off from your family or friends to try and fulfil a role or a goal – as Russell Simmons says “isolation is sickness, stay connected”. Sharing and connecting with others is as important as achieving your personal mission. Laughing, and showing and receiving affection all give you a serotonin boost that increases your immunity, releases tension, stress and worries leaving you feeling refreshed and inspired.

eat well

This time of the year we are exposed to a host of germs and running ourselves into the ground can leave us open to inviting sore throats, infections and bugs in.

What you fuel your body with is crucial in keeping us vital and strong. Eating regularly is something that we can skip, so snacking on nuts, fruit and raw veggies, drinking smoothies, tea and fresh juice gives you the fuel you need to get through a busy day. Eating three square meals or five small meals loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein including a fair intake of carbs is important. Check out our article on holistic ways to boost your immune system.

get some physical activity

Yoga, pilates, running, boxing, to name a few, all get your blood bumping keeping your organs healthy and instantly lifts your mood. Getting bogged down with work, family life and other responsibilites can leave you tired and sluggish but keeping psychically active is a good way to achieve and maintain a positive wellbeing.

(as written for evolve)