The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “A state of optimal well-being, not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.” WHO also goes on to state that “optimal well-being requires a balance that comprises the whole person.” By virtue of the use of the word “optimal,” one can infer that the word “perfect” is an applicable substitute.
One day in perfect health can go a long way in establishing a lifestyle that can redound to perfect health holistically, for the rest of one’s life. How can one accomplish being in perfect health for one day and is this even possible based on today’s superficial world? Yes, it is not only possible but highly probable. If in 24 hours you cannot treat the body you are living in for the rest of your natural life, with love and respect, then you may want to consider how you treat others.
Here are a few things you can do to live in perfect health for one day. Try waking up between 4am and 4:30am, no phones, no computer, no distractions for at least two hours. Drink a glass of room temperature water, take about six deep breaths, sit in a quiet place for about 20-30 minutes and allow your mind and body to just relax. Remember that stressing about anything does not make it better so make a conscious effort to leave yesterday’s issues alone. Note that your body is going to fight you because it’s not used to this, but don’t get up until you feel different. When you’re done, smile and thank yourself. What you are trying to accomplish during this process is the re-wiring of your mind because you must change the way you think. That’s the mental part, now comes the real challenge if you haven’t made exercise a part of your life.
Increase your blood circulation and lower your risk of injury before an exercise routine by doing some stretching. After that you can do a 20-30 minute walk at your preferred pace, or you can engage the body in some Calisthenics, that is, jump squats, push-ups, mountain climbs and crunches. You should attempt to do at least three sets of each exercise at your maximum repetition whether that is 1, 2, 10 or even 30.
Next is the enormous challenge of what to eat for the next 22 hours. I don’t usually tell folks what to eat but I do my best to let everyone know what they shouldn’t eat. The most important rule, without exception, is to eliminate added sugars from your diet. Be reminded that you simply cannot outfox a bad diet; it would trip you up for sure. Some foods to eliminate are sugar sweetened beverages, including sodas, juices, non-organic smoothies, artificial sweeteners, cakes, alcohol and refined potato products. Most cereals and granola bars are usually high in sugar since virtually all processed foods contain added sugars which, in my view, are simply to enhance the flavour. This is your 24-hour trial in perfect health. You would love yourself for it.
Remember, the circumstances in our lives do not create stress, it is how we choose to respond to the said circumstances.
