7 ways to make ripples through your health
Rather than potentially reduce the function of our immune system through stress, what small self-care acts can we do at this time to create ripples through our health, bolstering our immune function, building physical and mental resilience and improving our lives at large?
In the model of health I work with called Food & Spirit™, we take an holistic view of things. There are seven core aspects to our health and wellbeing that transcend body, mind, life and food, and which are aligned with the body’s core chakras or energy centres.
Through this lens, we can really appreciate the multi-faceted nature of our health and more effectively take care of our physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. After all, health is far more than what you're eating and how you’re moving, it's also what you're consuming in life: what you are breathing in, thinking, saying, and connecting with.
Seven empowering self-care practices to support immune health and beyond
Consider the seven areas of self-care on this simple infographic. Can you take one aspect and think of one small habit change you could make? The smaller the better!
Take nourish your body, and say you usually miss breakfast and have a coffee instead. Have you considered that one simple adjustment, like eating a balanced breakfast, could start a chain reaction of further changes influencing your physiology and behaviour? See these cascades as just a few examples:
balanced breakfast = increased nutrient intake > small changes shifts at a cellular level > altered gene expression > white blood cells respond > better immune defences
balanced breakfast = feeling satiated in the morning > less likely to overeat at lunch > more clarity and productive at work in the afternoon > more motivated to exercise after work > improved sleep > improved sense of wellbeing
balanced breakfast = stabilised blood sugar + serotonin stimulated > uplift in energy and mood > improved connection with loved ones > inspire others to start a new habit too
These examples illustrate how a small commitment can precipitate any number of further changes that positively impact multiple aspects of health and life at large. What’s more, the same habits which nourish and energise our bodies and minds, when consistently acted upon will typically help support our immune function too. So, why not start creating some ripples in your life today?
A big thanks to my Food & Spirit™ teacher, Dr Minich, for this beautiful graphic.
