Lazy Ways to Improve Your Health

By Beth J. Mann

I spoke with a friend today who told me he was going to start working out...again. He belonged to a gym several years ago and slowly "fell of the wagon" as his busy life schedule took precedence.

Personally, I don't think gyms work for the average person. They work for a select few. But what if you're not that "gym" type? Or you're that type...sometimes. Well, I've developed the "lazy man/woman's approach" to better health with just your kind in mind!

Change Your Attitude: The first item on my Lazy Person's Approach to Good Health? Change your views on working out. Stop thinking that it's about having flat abs or tight buns or even losing weight. Start thinking in terms of your mental health instead. Exercising and eating well make you feel better. And since we're creatures who naturally gravitate toward pleasure, it's an easier state of mind to maintain. Focus on improving your mental health so there's not as much room for failure or body image perfectionism.

Walking: It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's right outside your door. The only gear that's needed is good sneakers (very important - spend the extra bucks for a good pair and replace when that cushy, airy feeling goes away). Walking is beneficial to your body and mind in as little as 15 minutes. If you can sneak in a minute or two of running strides, you improve the benefits that much more.

Cold outside and don't want to deal? Bundle up. A good hat is one of most important items to keep you warm. If you are insulated properly, going out in the cold actually feels good. Besides, walks are quite magical and transformative. Your mind clears, your thoughts define and solutions to problems suddenly appear. Again, it doesn't have to be a long walk. Remember, this is the lazy approach to good health!

Water: Water. Water. Water. Did I say water? Now, let me tell you right off the bat that I'm not a big fan of bottled water. Well, I'm a fan of the water itself, just not the containers that are becoming an increasing environmental nuisance. This is quite a hot topic but I'll tell you my take:

Purchase several filtered pitchers and put them throughout your home for easy access - clean pitchers and replace filters often. Or if you have the bucks, buy a filtration unit for your sink. I do use SOME water bottles but I tend to reuse them for several weeks and rinse them out with cool water. Some people are concerned with plastic "leeching" into the water after repeated use. Hence why I don't use my water bottles indefinitely.

Okay, now that we've addressed the political ramifications of water, you may want to know how water helps the lazy person's overall health? The question is: how doesn't it help? It's cleansing, it hydrates your system and there's even talk about it improving mental health (which is my first priority, remember?) It also makes you LOOK good: your skin and eyes, etc. If you're not a natural water drinker, add a squeeze of lemon or lime or honey.

Stretching: What's next on our lazy list of life lessons? I know, I know - most horizontally-prone people have a definite resistance to this but it's an accessible and quick way to feel more "in your body." Picture this: you're in front of the TV, eating popcorn (a healthier snack alternative when homemade). Simply slide off the couch and continue watching your program - but this time, with your legs in front of you. Stretch and reach for your toes. Hold for 15 seconds and breathe. Then spread your legs - reach toward your television as if to hug it. Then gently arch over your right leg than your left. Easy, right? Continue with some spinal twists (nothing complicated, just rotate your back as if to look behind you - where the TV isn't!) You can also make up your own stretches. Your body naturally knows how to stretch.

Fresh Foods: Include more raw foods in your meals. Now, I'm not asking you to change your diet around but most people tend to like SOME fruits and vegetables. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that your body likes more than raw fruits and vegetables. Blend them, steam or cook them lightly if you have to, but consume them. Every day.

The Breath of Life: Our bodies in this day and age are in an almost constant state of tension. Breathing oxygenizes your entire system, thereby keeping it healthier and more relaxed. And you can do this at your computer or your couch! Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Do this for 5 minutes. You'll be amazed how differently you can feel. And it actually improves your health.

So that's it, fellow lazy folk. You don't have to change your life around to have a stronger, healthier body and a more alert and content mind. These are small and easy changes you can enact today - and some of them in front of your television!

Beth Mann lives at the Jersey shore and writes, patiently awaiting warmer weather and surfing.

http://www.blackholeswhitelines.blogspot.com
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