The six pillars of lighterliving

I recently learned that my primary care physician was retirng and so it suddenly became urgent for me to find a new doctor.

Since this particular doctor had never been kind, understanding, alternative, interesting nor very helpful, I decided it was time to research a new health care professional; one who would care enough about me to partner with me in my ageing wellness journey. After googling all the local health care providers who had studied functional and integrative medicine I set about to interview them. Thank heavens for ZOOM and SKYPE.

I asked many questions primarily about their overall philosophy regarding health but also delved into their concept of wellness, and their preferred level of participation in mine. I was curious about whether they would simply treat my symptoms or would help me to get to the root of the cause?

I wanted to hear about their understanding of COVID 19, wisdom about vaccination, protocol for ageing and why they believed we would be a good fit.

As all of you know, when I examine my health I consider 6 specific facets that include; diet, exercise, sleep, stress, relationship and my work and living environment. I believe that positive thoughts and spiritual connection are also important and that a healthy lifestyle requires a commitment to exploring the best of my body mind and soul. A healthy body has a strong heart, vibrant energy, a well thinking brain, good immunity, clear skin, flexible joints and long lean muscles.

You cannot be healthy without eating properly. The adage that “you are what you eat”, is the first pillar to consider.

Avoid processed man-tampered food; Avoid sugar and non nutritious carbs, sodas, caffeine and alcohol; Reduce portion size; Drink clean water; Eat lots of colourful, fresh food; Eat lots of high quality protein; Supplement if necessary with Vitamins and Minerals.

Mobility, Cardio, Flexibilty and Strength are the fundamentals of a healthy body. Your lifestyle should include regular, gentle, enjoyable exercise throughout the week.

Increase your heart rate at least 3 times a week for at least 20 minutes; Avoid repetitively stressful habits; Avoid sitting; Build muscular strength; Stretch daily.

Restorative sleep starts with going to bed before midnight in a well ventilated, dark room, free from EMF radiation.

Avoid blue lit screens and food right before bed; Engage in a calming before bed routine; Examine the quality of your mattress, pillows and linens; Wake with the light of the sun whenever possible.

Reducing stress will not only improve the quality of you life it will help you live longer.

Monitor negative thoughts; Become more mindfully present; Be kind, empathetic and forgiving; Apologise easily; Learn deep breathing and Meditation; Walk in nature and Stretch daily; Avoid caffeine and alcohol; Nurture your adrenals; Do Aeropilates or Yoga and walk in nature; Be creative.

When was the last time you laughed with and felt Connection to people who love you or had a meaningful conversation in which you felt heard? Healthy Relationship is essential for wellbeing. Learning feeds the brain and soul.

Connect with like-minded people; Be proactive and engaged with old and new friends; Meet new people; Smile at each other and converse;

We live in a very toxic world, exposed to many elements that are out of our control so it important to religiously try to detox our mind of negativity, our bodies of harmful pesticides and chemicals and to feed our soul with connection to Spirit or something bigger.

Love your work; Eat greens; Sit-in an infrared sauna; Sweat regularly; Fast occasionally; Eliminate toxic narcissistic people from your life.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is easy if you work on each one of these key pillars, a little at the time.

written by Marjolein Brugman

Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch