Human bodies evolved into the forms they take today because of wellness. For countless generations, the healthiest members of society were most likely to survive long enough to produce offspring, passing on their genes and habits.
Much is made of the genetic component of this equation, but there is another side to the coin. As time goes on, species can become genetically stronger, but cultures can also learn practices that contribute to longer and healthier lifespan. These practices include working with nature for nutrition and fulfillment, to maximize the potential in our bodies for health and wellbeing. There are elements of chance in human health, but when we do our best with nature’s bounty, we maximize our chances for long life with minimal illness. Here are three ways to do just that.
Use Nutrition to Ease Life Transitions
Just as more car accidents happen at stop signs than on highways, harmful physical events tend to happen in times of life transition rather than routines. Major hormonal changes can happen in middle age, and the physical effects of retirement and other major life transitions have only begun to be scientifically explored. Herbal remedies like chaste tree and blessed thistle can help people balance out major hormonal changes that come with age, stress, or a woman’s cycle.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and greens will also have many general benefits. If you feel like you’re lacking in a certain area, research ways that natural foods and supplements can give you the extra boost you need. Again, the human body has the capacity for health and wellbeing in most cases. If you’re not experiencing this as you age, look for ways to get back to that healthy and happy center.
Keep Using Your Body
Like a car that isn’t maintained, our bodies don’t do well when they’re not used or challenged. It’s easier to be fit when we’re very young, because play and sports are so often built into our schedules. As we age, we’ve got to choose to be active, and when we don’t, the benefits of activity are lost on us. To be fit the natural way, work to engage the natural world. Work in your garden, use an axe to cut firewood, job in beautiful places, play with your kids or grandchildren, hike, swim, climb, dance. Being active will help your body take advantage of the excellent nutrition and supplementation (from Host Defense) you applied from the previous step.
Focus on Happiness and Fulfillment
There are all kinds of ways in which the body takes cues from the mind. When we feel happy and fulfilled, this has ripples through our bodies, the hormones we produce, the connections made in the neurons of our brains, and the healthy appearance of our skin and hair. There are many other examples. The point is, a body and nervous system will be influenced for the better by the happiness and fulfillment of the mind that drives them.
Maintain healthy relationships with friends and family, and focus on the ones that give you the most useful sense of community. Learn and meditate on ideas that help you live more happily in the world. Seek out answers to your most troubling questions until they are satisfied. All of this “inner work” can be a lot of work, but it’s one of the most natural ways to promote wellbeing in your mind and body.
It’s possible for most of us to live happy, healthy lives. Follow the methods that humans have employed for all of our natural existence, and you’ll see results you might never have thought possible before.
