Four Cornerstones of Health- Part 1

 Over the next 4 weeks i'm going to do a weekly blog on the four cornerstones of health. Those are
1- Positive Mental Attitude
2- Living a Healthy Lifestyle (exercise, sleep and health habits)
3- Following a Health Promoting Diet
4- Supplements

So, today I start with the first topic, a positive mental attitude. Go ahead grab a cup of tea, get cozy and take some notes. Hopefully by the end of this you'll be smiling at everyone around you and loving your life to the fullest.

Did You Know?
The thoughts and emotions we experience during our day to day lives directly effect our overall health. Studies have recently shown those who live by a pessimistic attitude are more prone to disease, depression and decline in memory and brain function while aging.
We're going to chat about how our attitude effects our immune system and how it can help us or hinder us as we try to live life to the fullest.

Brain,Emotions & Immune System.
Every Part of your brain is connected to your immune system. That could be via nervous tissue connection or chemical messengers and hormones. Every thought, emotion and feeling we have sends a message to the immune system that either helps it or impairs it. Positive feelings (joy, happiness, love, contentment) boost the immune system, while emotions like sadness, depression and negativity suppress it.

Attitude & Self Actualization
A huge part of health is the realization of how great you are meant to be. Understanding your potential, your talents and your destiny is a huge component to overall health and well being. Below is an image of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The needs of the lower levels must be met before the next level is achieved.Our goal is to be mindful about taking care of all of these needs throughout our life. When we decide to start a health journey the most important thing I can suggest it to focus on the whole picture. Fitness is only one aspect of it. There are multiple things we should be working on while trying to become our best selves. Remember, this is an everlasting journey.

How To Create A Positive Mental Attitude.
1. Become an optimist. Find the positive in every situation.
2.Become aware of self-talk. When negative self talk comes up politely tell it to get the heck out of your head and replace it with positive things like how great you really are.
3.Ask Better questions. Instead of asking things like "why me?" "Why do bad things always happen to me?" Start asking things like "what makes me happy?" "What do I enjoy most about life right now?". 
4. Let positive affirmations flow through your day. I AM ENOUGH. I AM WORTHY. YES I CAN.
5. Set goals that are positive, attainable and specific. Instead of saying I need to lose 20 pounds say I'm going to find an activity I enjoy and get my body moving 5 days a week. 
6. Practice positive visualization. Envision how you want your life, wellness and health to be. How does it feel?
7. Laugh, a lot. Laugh at yourself, laugh with friends, laugh at situations. Find reasons to laugh so hard your core hurts!

Let me know what things you plan to try out and how they work for you.
Hanna




Source:
The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine- Third Edition
Michael T Murray, N.D & Joseph Pizzorno, N.D