Top 10 Wellness Tips from the Healthiest People

Lisa Franchi February 13, 2013

You know that exercising, eating right, and resting are the key to good health. But are they enough to bring you optimal wellness? What do the healthiest people have to say on this?

Take a break and indulge!

There’s no harm on sticking to healthy routines such as exercising. But too much exercise can make you stressed and more prone to fatigue. So don’t forget to take a break from your militant diet and rest. Learn how to do nothing! Watch TV, indulge on your favourite ‘not-so-healthy dish’, and relax. Taking a day-off from your usual routines will certainly recharge your batteries and make you more prepared to face another week!

Reconnect with nature

It’s time to get up from your desk and reconnect with nature. Invite a friend or two (or do it alone if you want!) and backpack to experience its healing effects. Or, you can just take your dog to the park and appreciate the tall trees and beautiful flowers around you.

Sip some Tulsi tea

Commonly known as holy basil, tulsi is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help prevent the development of certain diseases. This wonder herb also has the ability to reduce your cortisol levels and burn belly fats.

Eat Less

And eat slowly. You don’t have to eat until your ‘stomach is full’. Basically, it takes more or less 20 minutes for your brain to know you are full. To avoid overeating, have plenty of light meals in between your regular meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Most importantly, choose healthier foods, including those that are rich in fibre. Fibre makes you feel full for a longer period of time.

Have another serving of mushroom

Aside from their flavourful taste, shiitake, oyster and enoki mushrooms are also a haven of antioxidants that boost your immune system and prevent inflammation. Whether you want it stir-fried, steamed, or topped on pizzas – these healthy mushrooms are certainly good for your health!

Know your trigger points

Stressed muscles can be very painful and could lead to more serious illnesses, including fatigue which can greatly affect the quality of your life and reduce your work productivity. But it’s not enough that you know what your trigger points are. You should also know how to deal with them! Acupuncture, massage, and yoga are among the popular therapies that can eliminate the tension in your muscles.

Feel the sunshine!

If you think vitamin D is only good for your bones, think again! New studies suggest that vitamin D is critical to preventing a variety of illnesses, from obesity to diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and even cancer! But obviously, the weather wouldn’t give us more sunshine. Don’t worry – vitamin D is available on supplement forms too!

Engage in HIIT

Your tight schedule is not a reason to skip exercising! Studies show that short bursts of high-intensity physical workouts are more effective in burning fats than steady, moderate exercises. Just 20 minutes of HIIT is equivalent to 2.5 hours of walking! Time-saving right? But don’t underestimate HIIT. Your first HIIT workout can wear you out so better start with level one.

Choose your friends

The saying ‘tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are’ could be really true. Research shows that being with people who are optimistic and well-spirited can enhance your overall sense of wellbeing. Positive, health-conscious individuals can greatly influence your behaviour, helping you become more health-conscious yourself.

Meditate

Do you ever wonder why most Shaolin monks live for 90-100 years long? Aside from fasting and giving high value to self-discipline, these monks make meditation a part of their life. The two-thousand year-old mind-and-body exercise has been clinically proven to enhance brain function, reduce stress and improve physical health. Because of meditation, scientists were able to find out that the brain continues to grow and develop even after childhood.

Dear Readers,

What other healthy traits or behaviours can you add on our list?

Share your comment below.