10 Pillars of a Healthy Body and Happy Mind
Plant-based eating is certainly one of the foundations to a healthy, balanced, strong, and energized body and mind. However, it's not the only lifestyle factor that can impact how well your body and your mind function. Below are the 10 foundational lifestyle elements that I personally (try to!) practice to keep my body and mind balanced, grounded, and energized. Some are most effective when practiced daily (for example, plant-based eating, morning routine, and meditation) and some are effective when practiced whenever a little grounding and mood boost are needed most (connecting with nature and giving back). Even if you choose to implement one or two of the elements below, you may find your mood lifted, body energized, and mind more clear. Click on "read more" to learn more about each practice.
Create a
Morning
Routine
A morning routine that feels good to you, whether it's a one-minute affirmation, five minute journal session, or 15 minute stretch, can be grounding and set the pace for the rest of the day. Find what feels good to you and fits within your schedule and try to practice it daily.
Give
Back
Doing something for others can be anything from giving a complement to a stranger (or a friend!) to volunteering with a local organization to donating time to your favorite organization. Acts of service and kindness can decrease stress and boost mood.
Move
Your
Body
You don't have to go to a gym to move your body. Walking outside, gardening, cleaning, yoga, or any type of movement can be rejuvenating and invigorating for your body and mind.
Connect
with
Nature
Connecting with nature can be walking barefoot in the grass, listening to the birds sing, tending to your garden, or noticing the trees on your morning walk. Connect with nature to reset and restore your body and your mind.
Lead
with
Love
Give a hug, share a smile, or start a conversation from a place of love to alleviate stress and boost oxytocin, a hormone that increases feelings of connection. Research shows that love can lead to more happiness, better relationships, overall wellbeing, and longevity.