Get It Together: 5 Changes To Make To Your Lifestyle
We spoke to Barbara Filokostas, naturopath and owner of skincare brand Botani about five healthy habits to pick up.
Choose How You Feel
There is potential with every thought and action to invoke a “stress” response, but we really need to step back and consider deeply of the importance of what we are stressing about.
“Holding on to frustration, anger and stress from little and big things is detrimental to our health,” says Filokostas. “Just remember no amount of stress will change the outcome and let it go. Become mindful of your reaction to things, and accept reality for what it is and gain new insights into your personal power over your own emotional health and mental health.”
Choose To Move
Author Klaus Gebel’s research showed people who regularly did vigorous exercise were up to 13 per cent less likely to die prematurely than those who did moderate exercise.
“Being 45 kilograms overweight can also further subtract a decade from your life,” says Filokostas. “It stands to reason that maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can reduce your rish for diabetes, heart disease and a host of other health conditions.”
Choose Your Feet
More research has shown that sitting for long periods of time put people at risk for shorter lifespans and other health risks. A 2011 study found that each hour people spent sitting down and watching TV after age 25 was linked to a deduction of 22 minutes from their overall life expectancy.
Choose To Smile
This is a great daily mantra to brighten both your mood and that of a lucky stranger – simply smile.
“You’d be amazed the difference it can make to your day, and you never know how much you have changed someone else’s day,” continues Filokostas.
Choose Your Friends
Friendships are there to provide primary, vital nourishment for your soul, and as soon as they cease to do this you should consider time spent with these people.
“We have to remember that people have to be willing to help themselves before we can help them, and if that willingness is not there very little will change. Stop exhausting and de-motivating yourself and choose to spend your time with people who energise and inspire you,” says Filokostas.
