Sometimes, I feel like I have only two settings for my moods; life is wonderful, or get me out of here. I am constantly observing my habits for ways to take charge of the daily despond. I am not talking about major, long-term, unrelenting depression here. A proper duel doesn’t last long. Someone wins. The other loses. The day moves forward. When I take on the daily despond of rising and getting going, I want to be the one who wins.
Maybe these heart healthy habits apply to you too.
Walk or hike daily. Second only to getting a good night’s rest, walking or hiking is the most deeply spiritual thing I do.
Make music Making music is right up there with walking and hiking as brain, heart and soul food. Singing or playing a wind instrument adds an aerobic bonus.
Read and Write – Sometimes, life is dissatisfying simply because I have not spent time in the company of great thinkers via a good book. Other times, penning a well turned phrase or two in my journal will bring contentment
Eat well I have experienced the jubilant feeling of wellbeing often enough to know that’s what I want every possible day. Eating well includes on time, often and healthful. Pinto beans are disastrous for my feelings; also, anything with caffeine – including chocolate. Too little sugar makes me droop. On the other hand, too much sugar is catastrophic. I suffer in body as well as spirit when I succumb to gorging on my favorite sweets.
As long as I make a beeline for the good things in life – apples, lovely salads, chicken and veggie stir fries, my body and my spirit communicate well. When I cave to the occasional temptation of carbonated drinks, an ice cream, wine or mixed drinks, I pay for it the the next morning – seldom with a headache, but frequently with a vague dissatisfied feeling of non-wellbeing.
Rise with the sun I like to let my body sleep in while my brain is waking up. Rising before dawn is a struggle. Whenever possible, I like to wake naturally with the dawn. Optimum for my frame of mind, is waking gradually without alarm and having a few moments between sleep and full speed ahead. In these moments, my brain and heart process new ideas and revelations. I notice what I really think or feel of a goal, problem or relationship after sleeping on it.
This idea is not unique to me. Melody Beattie recommends paying close attention to your first thoughts and revelations on waking: “Morning Cues, There is an important message for us first thing every day. Often, once we get started with the day, we may not listen as closely to ourselves and life as we do in those still moments when we first awaken. An ideal time to listen to ourselves is when we are laying quietly, our defenses are down, and we’re open and most vulnerable. ..lay still and listen and then accept the message.”
Get outside fast When I must set an alarm, my next technique is to get outside as soon as possible, go to the door and stick my head out, open a window. If the great outdoors is not available to me for some reason, my other option is to get into the shower and let an abundance of hot water cheer me up. Hot running water will forever be my modern luxury of choice. Usually, by the time I am dressed, made-up and out the door, I am invigorated.
Sleep well, rise with the sun, get outside fast, walk, make music, read and write – these all earn a Healthy Heart label. What choices do you make to keep body and soul healthy?