Our health is important. Let’s face it; we each want to feel good and to have energy to do the things we enjoy. The journey to better health is a unique and personal experience.  Guess What? We are MEANT to Feel Good! 💓

Let's face it when it comes to health & fitness - water is a big deal. Our body is composed of a very high percentage of water. Drinking water is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body. 

Water plays a key role in many of our body's functions, including bringing nutrients to cells, getting rid of wastes, protecting joints and organs, and maintaining body temperature. ( https://health.ucdavis.edu/)

The amount of water you should drink varies depending on your activity level, health conditions, height and weight, gender, and other factors.  For guidelines specific to you, ask your doctor or dietitian what they recommend.

Without regular activity, your body slowly loses its strength, stamina and ability to function properly.  In addition to physical benefits, exercise has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. It produces changes in the parts of the brain that regulate stress and anxiety.  ( https://www.mynmchealth.org/benefits-of-fitness/ )

As you work out, your body releases natural endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and boost your energy. Regular workouts also lead to your body releasing serotonin, which can reduce depression and anxiety.

Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to something that is comfortable for you.  Then try to develop consistency in your routine.

It is well documented that stress is a key factor in many diseases and health challenges. Regular practice of relaxation techniques will assist you in relieving muscle tension, reduce anxiety, help decrease blood pressure and improve your overall well-being. (McKinley Health Center ) 

Studies show that meditation not only helps you to relax, but also has a positive impact on your immune system. ( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10355843/) Meditating doesn't have to be complex, it could be as simple as sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing.

When your mind wanders (and it will), gently bring it back to the breathing again. You may also consider joining group meditations.

Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health. When you sleep restfully at the right time you give your body the best chance to repair, heal and renew itself. 

Sleep helps us thrive by contributing to a healthy immune system, and can also balance our appetites by helping to regulate levels of the hormones ghrelin and leptin, which play a role in our feelings of hunger and fullness.

Real foods -- like fruits and vegetables are a product of nature. They tend to be lower in calories and more nutritious than overly processed foods. 

Our bodies were designed to digest real food. "A diet of minimally processed foods close and one that is predominantly plants, is decisively associated with health promotion and disease prevention." (Annual Reviews, Dr. Kantz from The Atlantic )