What's the Most Important Aspect of Wellness?
Life is hard; food doesn't have to be #142 [vol4, 8.5]
This is the third installation of a series reviewing things about real food. Last week I wrote on 17 Healthier Choices that Start in the Cart. Two weeks ago it was 5 Main Things for Real Food Success.
This week, I wonder:
What aspect of wellness would you consider the most important?
I came across a quote recently that resonated loudly.
If you don’t make time for wellness you will be forced to make time for your illness.
For some, there’s an illusory notion of the “right way” and illness is completely avoidable.
If I eat the right food… I’ll stay healthy.
If I do the right exercise… I’ll be healthy.
If I take the right supplements… I’ll be healthy.
You get the picture.
Health doesn’t come exclusively from fringe diets, crazy exercise, perfectly curated supplements or clean skincare. Those things are all pieces of the puzzle but the primary variable is ME.
Genes, environment, stress management, sleep quality and mindset all are huge contributing factors to health. Most common ailments affecting humans today = we have a say.
What am I doing every day even in small ways to create habits that lead to my most optimal self?
I’ve had seasons of all or nothing. In my 47th trip around the sun I’ve landed on the philosophy that as long as I’m making progress… diet, exercise, reducing toxins, sleep quality, stress management, supplements, mindset…all these things help keep me on the right path.
My health journey started with food. I realized I’d been duped by the food industry and began reading labels, making more from scratch, then sourcing highest qualities.
Next for us was paying attention to toxins (household cleaning agents, fragrances, personal care) and replacing or eliminating them.
Exercise has always been fun for my husband but a huge struggle for me. I can’t seem to make it a priority. Yet I love to be outside, especially in my garden. Can I call that yoga?
It’s only in recent years that I’ve recognized stress and how it affects my sleep. Now that I’m in perimenopause I wake frequently from hormone surges even though my stress level is mostly low. I feel a huge difference in brain/body function when I sleep through the night!
Is there one thing that’s most important? Where’s an area you want to focus next?
Remember, it’s what I am doing every day even in small ways to create habits that lead to my most optimal self. Baby steps morph into giant leaps. It all adds up.
There is no perfect on this side of heaven. Do what you can with what you have.
I’m cheering you on!
Life is hard; food doesn’t have to be.
Julie
PS - Before sun-ripened tomatoes escape us until next summer, please make this tomato basil oven risotto. Grab a rotisserie chicken and make it super easy. I’ve also been making this KY Hot Brown Tart on repeat which is basically quiche with tomato slices on top.
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