Healthy living creates abundance

To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise
we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
-Buddha
 
 
A major block to creating the life of abundance we seek is not investing the time and energy into wellness, both mental and physical. We take better care of our cars than we do our bodies. I have never missed a timely oil change or run out of gas in my car. 
 
There are many obvious ways to nourish our bodies with healthy foods and nutrients that give us physical energy and mental alertness. What I hear from many of my readers raises a red flag. By making a few changes they could easily create the abundance they are seeking.
 
A few years ago my blood pressure went out of control. I was also carrying around an extra 14 lbs. of body weight. The desire to get control of the situation forced me to make some changes. I seriously re-evaluated my diet and physical exercise. I looked long and hard at the stresses in my life, many of which could be made less impactful once recognized. My action plan worked and I was able to reduce my medications, achieve ideal body weight, and regain my high level of energy.
 
The following are the things I am still doing to keep stress manageable, sustain energy, and maintain clarity in my thinking, all of which enables me to live an abundant life.
 
With my first cup of coffee in the morning I write in my grateful journal. When I first started doing this I wrote a few sentences but now the words seem to flow and it is a full page. Being grateful sets the tone for the day. I then read a few pages from spiritual and uplifting sources. Meditation is the final part of my daily ritual.
 
Many people will say they do not have the luxury of time to incorporate these practices into their daily routine. The same principle works for Healthy Living that I used in saving small sums of money to create a retirement nest egg. 
 
First things first: Set the alarm to wake up 10 minutes earlier and use that time to start one practices. You may be drawn to quiet reflection of the many blessings in your life. You may be drawn to reading something inspirational. You may be drawn to a specific prayer.
 
Many people are so rushed in the morning they skip breakfast. They manage to get a cup of coffee down and have a slice of toast. They miss the opportunity to provide the fuel of a quality protein which their body needs to start their day. For the past 35 years I have consistently drank a protein drink with fresh fruit after my cup of coffee.  A good protein source in the morning is key to maintaining a high level of energy throughout the day.
 
When my blood pressure was out of control one of the first questions my cardiologist asked me was did I cut my own grass or did I hire someone else to do it. I told him I did it myself. He said that was great!
He also encouraged me to incorporate both cardio and weight barring exercises into my routine three times a week. He said nautilus equipment was not just for young people wanting to increase muscles mass, but also for seniors who wanted to keep healthy bones. That is why anyone with osteoporosis is encouraged to use weight bearing exercises.
 
He suggested it would also be better to eat a substantial lunch and a very light dinner before 6 p.m. After 2 p.m. the body goes into a rest cycle and it’s more difficult to digest heavier meals. A habit that truly does affect our digestion is watching the news. We should never engage in this activity while eating!
 
BUT watching the late night news can have horrendous effects on our overall health. The overwhelming negativity can create anxiety, and cause interrupted sleep patterns.
 
Many of our choices make a major difference in living a healthy life of abundance.