Naturopathic Way of Life

The naturopathic lifestyle is a way of thinking. This holistic mindset includes the idea that all areas of our lives are interconnected and interdependent. When one part of our life is affected, whether it’s our body (migraine, broken bone, stomach issue), our mind (stress at work, test at school, family trauma), or our soul (ethical or moral dilemma, challenge to our faith, new enriching spiritual practice), all other areas can be affected as well. 

Adapting a holistic lifestyle improves your overall health and wellness in multiple ways, including:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Uplifts mood
• Improves sleep
• Brings clarity
• Reduces the likelihood of chronic disease
• Improves cognitive function
• Reduces depression
• Boosts self-esteem
• Increases good decision-making

Here are some simple ways to mindfully reset your lifestyle by changing a few habits at a time. These are practices you can start today to promote your well-being as a whole person.

1. Begin your day by drinking a glass of room-temperature water combined with the juice of half a lemon. Not only will you start your day hydrated and infused with vitamin C, but also activate your digestive system. 

2. While you hydrate, practice some gratitude and positive thinking by mentally listing three things for which you are grateful and one thing you’re looking forward to. If it helps to jot these items in a notebook or journal, keep one by your bed with a pen.

3. Wake up your body and mind in the shower by following 1 minute of hot temperature by 30 seconds of cold. Repeat this pattern three times or simply do once by ending the shower cold to increase lymphatic circulation and activating your immune system.

4. Enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast every day. If you’re in a hurry, you can grab some nuts and seeds or a power smoothie. You’ll want to pack up some healthy snacks to keep in your purse, gym bag, or desk so you’re not tempted to visit the vending machine when you get hungry. Keep in mind that whatever you put into your body ends up in your cells; making healthy food choices will improve your quality of life and help you feel physically and emotionally better all day long.

5. Move your body for at least 60 seconds every hour. A sedentary lifestyle leads to feelings of lethargy and depression. If you’re so inclined, take a walk, go for a jog, practice stretching or try out Pilates or Tai Chi. Remember, your movement can also include everyday activities like walking the dog, chasing your toddler around the park, or vacuuming the house. 

6. Write down your wellness journey. Find an empty journal or notebook and try writing down your food selections, exercise habits, sleep patterns, emotions, and health symptoms. Look for patterns: did you have a more joyful day when you ate healthy foods and exercised? Did you get a headache on a day when you were particularly stressed or anxious? Did your muscle stiffness decrease when you danced for 30 minutes to your favorite music playlist?  What made the day not as good? What made for a good day?

7. At the end of the day, make sure your sleeping area is prepped for sleep. De-clutter the space. Remove screens and electronic devices. The bedroom should be a space for sleeping, so turn off extra lights to make the space as dark as possible. If the bedroom is also an office or workspace, create a physical divider to separate the sleeping space. Your sleeping area should feel comfortable, cozy, and welcoming.
    

Remember, naturopathic living includes self-care, mental/emotion, physical and spiritual health, mindful living and receiving therapies and guidance from experts to build health and stay on track. Naturopathic living allows you to discover your passion and purpose, practice gratitude in the moment, and find your spiritual well-being. In short, you will come to realize the very best version of yourself.

Build Health. Live Well.