Vitality. This is a term that is being talked about a lot more this day in age. But what does it truly mean? It’s often defined as “the state of being strong and active” or even “the power of giving continuance to life.” We can take it a step further and ask ourselves, what is vitality truly comprised of? There is first the physical aspect of it, which includes the level of energy one has to carry out daily tasks and activities. Second, there is the emotional component that englobes the clarity of mind and inner peace one has to set goals and achieve them. With this, the underlining ideas of health and wellness come into play. There are 3 important facets that need to be secured in your life in order to achieve vitality and longevity.
1. Proper nutrition
Let’s face it, we all have days where we have no energy. However, if this is something that keeps recurring and you are feeling constantly low on energy, it might be time to re-evaluate your eating habits. Proper nutrition is key to ensure vitality for years. A more natural approach to eating well can affect your general health. In time, a balanced diet and the right nutrients from the right foods can help boost your energy, help you lose weight, or even lower your cholesterol and reduce your blood glucose levels. Whatever the case may be, it’s never too late to include the right nutrients into your diet.
2. Exercise your body and mind
The brain is like a muscle, which needs to work continuously to maintain its capabilities. Develop your curiosity and opt for memorization or reflection exercises. The stimulation of neurons promotes their interconnections and therefore helps your brain stay fit longer. Physical exercise stimulates blood circulation and therefore allows more oxygen to get to the brain, and in return, develops new and better-connected neurons. It would seem that athletes can easily focus and stay alert due to their daily physical activity. Whenever you can, enjoy the outdoors. Contact with nature helps soothe the brain when it’s stressed or overworked and thus boosts its abilities and gives you a sense of clarity. Supplementation with L-theanine from green tea helps promote a sense of relaxation, a prerequisite to a clear mind. Other nutrients like pomegranate and walnuts support mental well-being and gingko helps with cognitive health and memory.
3. Sleep like a baby, feel like a baby
Sleep is essential and fundamental to the body. It’s the moment where our body and mind recharge and the toxins are eliminated. Sleep helps the brain absorb the information given to you during the day and helps sort through your thoughts and emotions. Your quality and length of sleep can easily influence your memory, concentration levels and ultimately your health. Heart disease, anxiety disorders and obesity risks are higher when you are sleep deprived. There are certain herbs that have been known to promote relaxation and sleep. A calmative combination of chamomile, lemon balm and vitamins, is soothing to the soul. Therefore, a good night’s sleep is vital to the body’s long-term functioning.
Hence, you must instill healthy habits into your daily routine. A successful wellness plan that includes crucial health initiatives such as nutrition, exercise and sleep, will yield long-term results on your well-being. It all starts with vitality.
By Jennifer Soueida, B.Sc.
