Holistic Health

Ah, wouldn’t we all like to have the body of a teenager again? Well yes, but the mind and inexperience of a teenager?…..I don’t think so. How about we keep the wonderful wisdom we have gleaned over the years, but also learn how to keep our bodies in good shape? Now that sounds more like it. So how do we do it? Let’s look at Body, Mind and Spirit and take a few simple tips that are tried and tested.

BODY

1.YOUR BODY IS YOUR HOUSE just like a snail with its shell. You alone have the responsibility to look after it. Not even the richest person in the world can pay someone to eat or sleep or exercise for them. The more we look after our bodies, the easier it is to maintain good health and reap the benefits of looking our best.

2.THREE HOURS EXERCISE a week is ideal. However you do need to do something you like, or at least don’t mind doing! Buddy up.

3.EAT HEALTHILY FIVE DAYS a week & treat yourself at the weekend. Keep your treats to two meals, not the whole weekend.

4.KEEP THE MUSIC, CHANGE YOUR MAKE-UP! There was always a time in our lives when we felt really carefree, and that was usually in our twenties. The music from this time can bring back a flood of memories and immediately our bodies remember and start to loosen up. The smiles flood in. Play this regularly to destress. Our makeup or hairstyle can also date us hugely. Changing even the colour of a lipstick can revitalise your look. Skincare is so important, stay natural by using products with essential oils. Experiment! Have fun with it.

5.KNOW YOUR OWN STYLE. Play up your good points with your clothes. If you have a terrific waist but big thighs, then wear gorgeous long skirts and high fitting jackets. You don’t have to be a slave to fashion or spend a fortune, just pick one thing each season that suits you and accessorise wisely.

MIND

1.FULFILL YOUR WISH LIST NOW. We all have things we would like to do in life and we always seem to put them on the long finger. Write out the list as a start and weave a holiday or hobby around it. If you are approaching retirement age then plan to visit your relations abroad as a safe and easy way to see the world.

2.LIVE EVERY DAY AS IF IT WAS YOUR LAST. Imagine how we would view today if it were our last. Each encounter would be so special. Think of the things we would say to loved ones. Why wait, do it now.

3.TOUGH TIMES HAPPEN! Learn from them and move on. This is a tough one, but how many times do we wallow long past the sell by date of our misfortunes. Remember, if you haven’t moved on there is something wrong and you need to figure out how to work around it. Get help if needs be from a good friend or a qualified counsellor.

SPIRIT

1.FIND YOUR PASSION

What excites you, gets you up in the morning? What do you look forward to? If you can’t think of anything, fine. A clue is some hobby or interest you used to love to do. If you can get all fired up about gardening, travel or a challenge then your days will fly by and the personal satisfaction will be immense.

2.WRITE YOUR OWN EPITAPH. This sounds a bit drastic but do it light-heartedly. What would others say about you? Does it match what you would like others to say about you? Why not make changes now.

3.USE YOUR BELIEFS. Whatever your faith or beliefs are, use them. If you pray, then listen for the answers. They will often come in the form of serendipity, or coincidences, or through nature. Ask for help, it’s out there.

I hope these small tips will give you some ideas as to how to keep that ‘joie de vivre’ or sparkle in your eye alive. Life is for living, so go for it now.

Karen Ward is a Holistic Therapist with a Clinic in Smithfield, Dublin 7 and in Sportsco, Dublin 4.

For details of her Classes, Clinics, Yoga Weekends and Holidays log onto www.karenwardholistictherapist.com