5 Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle

What is the definition of Wellness?

A state in which a human being functions at an optimal level of integration between the elements of body, mind and spirit. The well individual is one who is happy, healthy, and whole, and who perceives his/her life as one with meaning and purpose.
(Ref. Richard Gerber, M.D. Vibrational Medicine, 1986)

Why don’t more people practice good lifestyle Habits?

• Use medications to mask symptoms and think the problem has been solved.
• Due to a lack of understanding what a healthy lifestyle is
• Lack of motivation
• Fast pace lifestyle – no time

Here are some tips on how to make your lifestyle healthier:

1) Breathing –

• Make more time for deep breathing
• Important for relaxation, calming the mind and body
• Helps improves posture and back pains
• Yoga or meditation class
• Great exercise to do before bed to aid with falling asleep
• Example – close your eyes, take a deep inhale for 4 seconds, try to continue to bring the air into your body for the full 30 seconds, try to fill your body so you feel the air in your low back. Then exhale for 4 seconds.

2) Hydration –

• Keep yourself hydrated with water – pure water
• Watch drinking juices, beverages containing caffeine, and alcohol – all of these items will cause dehydration
• You should drink ½ your body weight in oz per day
• Helps with energy, muscle tightness and your skin

3) Food –

• You are What you Eat
• Choose quality foods – real foods
• Organic or naturally products
• Watch sugar and processed foods
• Snacks – eating every 2 – 3 hours

4) Sleep –

• 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night
• Helps with weight loss and stress management
• One bad night of sleep will affect you for two days
• Tips to help fall asleep – eat a little protein, herbal tea, or write down what’s on your mind

5) Exercise –

• Some movement is better then no movement
• Looks for ways to add more exercise into your life
• Examples: walk to work, take a new group exercise class, buy a bike or rollerblades, join a sport team or a gym in your neighborhood, get a workout buddy or hire a trainer
• You can exercise anywhere – no equipment required
• Interval training for weight loss
• If you’re not getting results – change up your program.
• Example of a routine to do on the go will be posted soon

(Ref. Paul Chek, Holistic Lifestyle Coaching Level II, 2001)
Recap –
Balance is the key to a healthier lifestyle. We can all make one or two changes starting tonight to make our lives a little healthier. Set realistic goals and work on achieving them.

Welcome to my blog

Welcome to my blog! I wanted to have a place where clients, friends and family can post and ask questions about fitness and health. I will try to include articles and information weekly on all different wellness and fitness topics. I'm starting a new chapter in my life as a mother so I will also include tips for moms and ways to keep your baby healthy.

Please feel free to pass the site along to anyone that you think will benefit from getting wellness and fitness tips.

In good health,

Jackie Ruiz

Owner of Complete Wellness & Fitness LLC