This is part 4 of 6 in my blog series on the 6 basic principles for a healthy lifestyle - the following articles are also included in the series: Introduction (1/6), Diet and Hydration (2/6), Sleep (3/6), Movement and Breathing Techniques (5/6) and Discussion (6/6).
We all have our own set of values that we live by, even if we are not always good at describing them clearly. Values represent the needs we have that must be met in order to live a meaningful life - they define how we want to live our lives. It is only when our lifestyle is in line with our values that we can be truly happy. So take the time and opportunity to question whether you are living your life in a way that makes you happy.
If you are unhappy with your life and the choices you have made, your "fight and flight response" will be activated more often than is healthy for you. Your body doesn't distinguish between different kinds of stress, whether they are physical, mental, emotional or spiritual stressors. All the factors add up and when it gets too much, your body tells you to back off.
Life is like a boomerang and you always get back exactly what you throw out. If you give love, you will get love back. If you smile, someone will smile back, etc.
Try to think positively instead of negatively as often as possible and life will be much more enjoyable! Believe in yourself and be proud of who you are, not for everything you have or haven't done so far in life. You will see yourself every day in the future so why not start loving yourself as if you were your best friend? Learn from yesterday, live today and have hope for the future.
It's a universal truth that you can't take care of others better than you can take care of yourself. So work on your own way of being, thinking and behaving first, before you try to help others.
With love, Johanna.
