AS TOM JONES SAID IN HIS SONG, "JUST HELP YOURSELF"

This is the gleaning of an article from Heart and Soul magazine.  I will try and simplify it for quicker reading.

Here are 10 ideas we should all apply to our hurried, scurried lives.

1.  Eat more dark leafy greens.  They are good for you.  Rich in Vitamin K.  High in fiber.  Increased intake linked to decreased cancer risk.

2.  Omega-3 rich foods 2 times a week.  Vital to brain function and hormonal processes.  Influence mood and metabolism.  Found in fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed.  Use high-quality fish oil supplements when food not available.

3.  Walk for 30 minutes a day.  It's portable.  It can improve sleep, mood and energy.  Supports weight loss and reduces risk of diabetes and cancer.

4.  Breathe deeply for 5 minutes a day.   Counters the negative effects of stress.  It stimulates the vagus nerve and "turns on" the parasympathetic nervous system - a good thing!

5.  Start eating quinona.  It's gluten-free, balanced in amino acids, and easy to digest.  A step beyond brown rice and it cooks in 20 minutes.

6.  Use more spices.  Substitute for salt.  Have antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.  Try ginger, garlic, basil, and turmeric.

7.  Create deadlines.  These pressure prompters head off procrastination.

8.  Eat a better breakfast and lunch.  Energy drops in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon rob us of productivity.  The use of sugar, salt, chocolate, and caffeine in snacks do not meet our needs and result in fatigue and bad moods.

9.  Go to bed half an hour earlier.  It's do-able.  This will give you more needed rest which the average body desperately needs.

10. Choose one person to connect with.  It's hard to keep up with everyone.  Strong social networks may promote longevity,reduce stress, protect from depression, boost heart health and improve sleep. 

By Dr. E. Glynn Taunton on April 27, 2008 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)