THE pressure of daily life is steadily rising due to the many demands in our day to day needs.It is everybody’s dream to live a peaceful, mindful and happy life- but the obstacles are there for us to either ignore or continue to slave it out.I recently attended a one day workshop on how to live a natural health life; this workshop was organized by women from all walks of life but united with one aim- living a healthy life naturally. In this forum, I also met health psychologists who had a dual mission to help prevent mental and physical illness and disease by promoting natural healthy living.One of the speakers Ms. Caroline quoted one of the leading clinical health psychologists and associate research professor in pediatrics at George Washington University, Maureen Lyon, who says that health psychologists use their knowledge to “enhance the quality of life of individuals.”This means that each one of us has the capability to live a stress free and healthier life, if we want to prolong our lives.Deep breathing is something most of us take for granted, but according to health psychologists it is a sure medicine for living a healthy life. Deep breathing brings conscious attention to our breath, lengthening and deepening the drawing in of oxygen, nourishes every cell of our body and promotes relaxation. Prolonged exhalation helps get rid of stale air and toxins in our lungs.Create a family of your choice – we were told. Surround yourself with friends who transmit good vibes to you, those who are of negative thoughts always- do away with them. Make your family happy, and spend most of your free time together with your family. There is nothing that gives personal energy and satisfaction than when they spend quality time with their family members.Be mindful and sensitive of what is going on around you. Some people live as though they are the only ones who matter in this life, not caring about the person next door. Being sensitive to issues affecting those around you helps you in more ways than one. It is when you give that you receive; and giving does not amount to cash only- even a small deed of kindness helps one feel a sense of relief and satisfaction, it goes a long way leaving you feeling happy that you have made a difference in someone’s life even if it’s just for a minute. Mean people live miserable lives.Love and appreciate yourself the best way you know how. People who are not in love with themselves first, most often than not have nothing to give because they flounder in low self-esteem. This makes a person not to be confident in themselves, and therefore they are always unstable, not sure about anything. It is only when you have love within you, that you will be able to share it with others.Do what you enjoy the most; if you love reading, read at least four books a month. If painting is that one thing you love doing and have never gotten the chance to, it is time to pick up that brush and stretch your imaginations through painting. Some people have found healing through their hobbies- but the most interesting of all is that in hobbies, some have found their real passion in life.Eating healthy foods will not only help you from inside, but it will show on the outside as well. At the same time no one should forget that one foot forward every day is good for the heart; whether it will be going to the gym, walking or even taking the stairs to your office, all these help you stay fit.Last but not least, make sure you laugh; laughter after all- is the best medicine.
