Five Wellness Tips
Sit Up Straight
We rarely think about posture these days, but with an increasing number of us performing sedentary, computer intensive jobs, there has been a rise in posture related pain problems. The typical slouched posture with forward head and slumped shoulders is exhibited by most people who work at computers. It puts excessive strain on the neck and upper back muscles, and also crowds your internal organs, which can contribute to issues such as constipation and esophageal reflux. Headaches and chronic fatigue are other effects of poor posture. The simple exercise below can help counteract the stress and fatigue caused by a poor sitting posture:
The "Relief Position." Sit with your hips about 6 inches from the edge of your chair (being careful not to get close enough to tip over). Your feet should be flat on the floor, your knees bent at 90 degrees, and shoulders directly over your hips. Let your arms hang loosely and keep your ears in line with your shoulders as you straighten out your back and take nice, slow breaths for a few minutes.
This simple exercise can be performed every hour if you wish. It will help you feel refreshed and fend off fatigue!
Substitute Organic Foods Whenever Possible
Organic foods are becoming more widely available. The farming and processing used to produce organic items eliminates toxic pesticides and artificial ingredients found in similar non-organic items, though you should still wash organic fruits and vegetables. The elimination of toxins and artificial ingredients decreases the load on organs such as your liver, kidneys, and intestines.
Get 8 Hours of Sleep
Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Getting 8 full hours of sleep gives your body the opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate itself. The proper amount of sleep can help you fight aging and lose weight!
Get Moving
The benefits of a daily 30 minute walk cannot be overstated. A brisk walk benefits cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and psychological health. Walking elevates the heart rate, cleans out the blood vessels, lubricates the joints, and alleviates stress. Always consult your health care provider before starting any exercise program.
Choose a Quality Multivitamin Supplement
Most people can benefit from a quality multivitamin. Our diets are often lacking in essential nutrients, and a multivitamin can help fill the void. Avoid the popular drug store brands, as they are largely composed of refined, chemically based ingredients. While they might provide 2000mg of Vitamin X, they do not provide the other natural components that help the Vitamin absorb and work well in the body. Vitamin C is a good example. Ascorbic acid is an important part of Vitamin C, but it only provides a shell around the other components of the Vitamin, which are only found in foods or whole-food supplements. A whole-food supplement, like Catalyn from Standard Process, provides nutrition from whole foods, not chemicals.