7 Lifestyle Touchstones from the Healthiest Person I Know

Posted byLisa at Micro of the MacroPosted inGratitude, Health & Well-Being, Hydration, Immunity, Nutrition, Psychological HealthTags:, , , , , , , ,

Over the years, I have learned that regularly investing in the health of my mind, body, and spirit is vital.  I don’t want to live forever, but I do want to feel good, enjoy life, and thrive as long as I’m on the planet.  When I go to my annual doctor’s visit for a check-up and blood draw, I remind her with a smile that I am the healthiest person I know!  I am blessed and grateful to be illness-free & require no meds; I’m strong and flexible & feel good the majority of the time; and my lab results are always stellar.  There are certain lifestyle elements that are essential to maintaining optimal health, and below, I share the ones that work for me.  (These tips have been garnered through the years from my degree work, independent research, and experimentation.)

  • Hydration is one of the most vital processes in my body, and I have control over it.  When I haven’t adequately hydrated, I become forgetful, I have no energy, I get headaches, and my body temperature goes unregulated.  (I can suddenly get way too hot or cold, and stay that way despite my efforts.)  After having worked in a lab, I’ve seen first-hand the way blood cells clump together when they aren’t dispersed with enough water.  Anthony William, author of Liver Rescue, among many other books, says that this thickening of the blood caused by dehydration results in the heart and liver being forced to work harder.  I believe it must force all our organs to struggle.  The human body simply cannot function properly without good hydration. (For more on the importance of hydration, check out my article Hydration – No, Really.)
Inner Basin view of the San Francisco Peaks
  • Spending time outside is one of the most important things I can do for my mental well-being.  When I’ve been inside for too long, I can get lethargic and grumpy.  Studies show that being outside has loads of beneficial effects.  For me, going outside can be like flipping a switch: I instantly feel happier, more grateful, and energetic.

  • Working with the microbiome in my gut is one of the best ways to ensure my continued good health.  According to Dr. Zach Bush, a triple board certified physician, each of our bodies is an ecosystem through and through colonized by bacteria.  The majority of that bacteria resides in our guts, and we have a symbiotic relationship with it.  By eating fibrous, non-GMO whole plant foods, avoiding antibiotics whenever possible, consuming fermented food and drinks, and breathing in diverse ecosystems like lakes, waterfalls, mountains, oceans, & deserts, I keep my microbiome healthy and happy, which in turn keeps me healthy & happy.
Eat this, not that processed stuff!
  • Regular exercise, including stretching, strengthening, and cardio, is essential not only for my physical health but also for feeling good about myself.  If I go 2 days in a row without it, I feel like a worthless lump!  Climbing, hiking, biking and yoga classes are my favorite forms of exercise, but we have a workout room at home for the days we can’t do our preferred activities.  Dr. David Perlmutter, author of Brain Maker, asserts that exercise can be just as effective as anti-depressants.  I can attest to that!  (Of course, you shouldn’t go off anti-depressants without working with your doc.)
Hiking in the snow again!
  • Focusing on the positives in my life helps me stay positive.  When less-than-pleasant ideas start to dominate my mindset (like when I get bad news), I step back, refocus, and recall my blessings & belief that everything happens for a reason.  According to Dr. Joe Dispenza, New York Times best-selling author, the term emotion can be thought of as energy in motion, and it goes wherever you place your attention.  Rather than worrying and dwelling on negatives, I find I am much more productive and cheerful when I am in a state of gratitude, expressing love for my life and the beautiful world around me.
  • Being generous opens my heart unlike anything else.  This doesn’t mean I go around handing out cash; my generosity involves expressing compliments, sending a card to a far-away friend, sharing home-cooked food, focusing my full attention on one with whom I’m speaking, and giving small gifts.  Research shared by UC Berkley’s Greater Good Magazine shows that giving releases feel-good endorphins, activates a part of the brain associated with pleasure, results in a helper’s high, and provides a myriad of long-term health benefits.  
  • Continuing to travel and learn about health, spirituality, cuisine, the planet, and other animals feeds my soul.  It also keeps my brain functioning optimally by forming new synapses.  You know the old saying use it or lose it?  That applies here.
Lake Powell, Arizona

An important caveat: as soon as I realize I’m feeling off, I assess.  What have I eaten?  Have I taken in ample water & electrolytes?  When did I last exercise?  Where have my thoughts been focused?  I want to feel good in mind, body, and spirit all of the time.  Figuring out the reason I’m not up to par is critical to getting back on track as soon as possible.

To me, feeling good on every level means thriving in a world teeming with love & beauty as opposed to enduring a joyless existence.  Staying conscious of the touchstones that support my health are of utmost importance.  My hope is that you may benefit from my experience. Regardless of your age, investing in your health and well-being is always one of your very best endeavors.

Blessings for Health,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

72 thoughts on “7 Lifestyle Touchstones from the Healthiest Person I Know”

  2. Thank you for sharing this Lisa. I have been doing a lot of things you mentioned above, and couldn’t agree more that how important it is to invest in ourselves for our well being. Your post inspired and encouraged me to keep doing more and keep feeling healthy and happy.

    A quote comes to my mind.

    “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”

    Jim Rohn

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  3. Excellent tips, Lisa. This sort of investment is one that always pays dividends, no matter that fiscal climate. 🙂 Loved seeing snow on the mountains in the last few days. That did my heart, soul, and mind a lot of good. Have to take a drive up to the mountains soon to see some. I was at Half Price Books today and bought two books with scenic and back road drives in Arizona. Can’t wait to try some!!

    janet

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      2. Oh yes, we still have over a foot on the ground with lots of packed snow and ice on the side roads. Main roads are great. It is gorgeous, huh? Less than a week ago, we had close to 3 feet. That gives you an idea of how fast it can melt here. 🌞

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    1. Thanks Frank! Makes me think of the saying ‘a little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing!’ I have read studies on halting, reducing, and even reversing illnesses with good lifestyle practices, so making an effort might always be beneficial! 🌞

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  5. I reached for a gla\ss of water as soon as I read you stay hydrated Lisa! It is vital to our systems. I do much better drinking it with a full load of clients when I’m pushing it on others! “the water pusher”. 🤣 Really great tips, i too am lucky to not have any medications I haver to take thankfully! Your pics are stunning Lisa!!! Have a great weekend! ❤️

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  12. Health is very important and we must take care in very way we can. I also love to spend a lot of my time in nature, this in combination with my hobby (photography). Thanks for sharing your vision on “good health”, for the nice pictures and lots of succes with your blog that I will follow with pleasure.

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  14. thanks for sharing this Lisa, all things I do but seldom share! I too only have an annual check up and no meds. Mainly walk and cycle now, meditation and volunteering are my mainstays.

    Your shots are great especially that last one … keep up the good health and active mind set 🙂

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  17. Interesting, I was used to snow in N. California and moved in Aug. to Texas. Up till now only one day it snowed all day long, but it was a fine powdery snow, so there was only a few inches at the end of the day:) I love your snowy views! About youe post above this one, I could not agree with you more. Taking care of your health physically, emotionally, but also (I add) spiritually go hand in hand. Thanks for coming by my blog!.

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