BY: KHADIJAH LATICIA
By now your thirst should be quenched with some refreshing H2O, so let’s get moving. We need to rejuvenate our bodies daily with a free, natural stress reliever – EXERCISE!
- Turn Off Your Distractions and Move Your Derriere
Yes, I said it, E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E! Enough with all the moaning. Turn off your smartphone (Instagram can wait), laptop and television. Grab your keys and take your lazy behind outdoors. Just get moving! Unleash that inner child in you by doing something you enjoy every day for at least thirty minutes. Take a stroll through nature, go bike riding with a friend, be that ‘Cool Mom/Dad’ playing soccer with your child at the park, enroll in a fun fitness class, etc. Just find something that will motivate you and release your stress from the daily grind. The benefits of exercise are endless. Exercise reduces stress by boosting your mood and uplifting your spirit. Think about it. It is pretty hard to have negative, gloomy thoughts when you are taking in some beautiful scenery as you walk or better yet, RUN through the park. Exercise alongside healthy clean eating is the secret to the fountain of youth. You will feel and look gorgeous at any age. Since exercise releases those ‘feel good’ endorphins, your self-esteem is bound to rise. Eventually, over time you will notice how great you feel immediately before and after you exercise that you might just be on such a runner’s high you will add on to your thirty minutes. It’s a win-win situation. Now, show us that you were born a winner.
- Be Still, Meditate and Pray
Prayer and meditation are the most powerful, underrated tools we have at our disposal. Turn off your devices and sit quietly in a comfortable position. Take a few calming breaths, relax, and let your thoughts come and go, pay them no attention while you focus on your breath. Thoughts will come up and that is normal; just let them pass, then let them go! Start meditating in small increments of five minutes a day and build yourself up to about ten-thirty minutes. Most studies show meditation for only twenty minutes per day is effective. Now that your mind is somewhat clear, let’s strive to build a personal relationship with our Creator through the power of prayer which is the ultimate connection we need. Only God knows our pain, struggles, and sins. We have to seek God’s forgiveness and healing, thank him for his mercy, gifts and plead for his guidance on a straight path throughout our lives. Through this practice we are better able to respond to the trials and tribulations of life, it filters out anxiety from our subconscious, it gives us clarity, a sound mind and it cleanses our hearts. We must strengthen our minds and souls with peace, love, and positivity.
- Start a Gratitude Journal
Harboring harmful emotions of pain, trauma, and anger, if left suppressed and buried can cause disease in the body. Relieve this toxic energy by using writing as another healing tool to process your emotions. Start a gratitude journal and take time every day to reflect on what you are grateful for and what is going well in your life, then free write with whatever comes to mind.
- Be Sleeping Beauty
Don’t listen to those people who tell you that sleep is for the weak. If you don’t sleep, you will be weak! Create a consistent sleeping schedule where you arise and go to sleep the same time daily, no matter how ‘busy’ you are. Go to bed by 9 or 10 pm. Studies show people who get at least 8 hours of sleep each night are more likely to have a good heart health than those who get less sleep. You have taken in a lot of valuable information to prepare you for a successful journey for a holistic health conscious lifestyle. Focus on creating a balanced harmony between your mind, body, and soul by incorporating our spiritual, physical and intellectual worlds. Your total wellness and self-care must be your top priority. Enough said you deserve a beauty rest now. Sweet dreams!
