Have you ever had the frustrating experience of going back and forth with health. Especially when you are trying to do the right thing with good nutrition and exercise, it can be exceedingly frustrating when you are struck down by a flu, a cold, or even depression. But its not one of those things you can fight. If it’s happening it’s happening and any resistance to that doesn’t change the reality.

First you have to start with acceptance. “yes, I’m sick again, and this is what I need to do to get better”. But after overcoming the acute illness, it’s time to make that base foundation a bit stronger. Check all the “pillars” of health to see what you can change. Look carefully at your diet. There’s no hard and fast rules. There is no one diet fits all. I’m an advocate for a well balanced healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables, grains, fats and protein.

Look at your exercise and movements. Flexibility, endurance, strength all need to be addressed. Make an assessment of digestion and excretion. These are not considered in much detail in western medicine, but in Eastern medicines such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, they are considered fundamental to good health. It’s possible you may have never even thought about that.

And of course there is the mind. Unless the mind is balanced, content, happy, then everything else down stream will be affected. You will choose the wrong foods, find it difficult to exercise, and be more prone to infections and inflammatory conditions. Including meditation as part of your daily routine is one of the best things you can do for your health. Try 20-30 minutes twice per day. Once you get into the habit, you will find that meditation is your secret weapon to a healthy and happy life.

As we approach the end of the year, take stock of your health.

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit