You already know a few ways to improve your health, such as making it a point to eat fruit every day and to eat high-fiber foods. Here
are a few other stress-fight- ers and health-improvers:
• Approach your life and work with a more positive outlook. Find a positive side in every aspect of your life. Research involving women age 50 and older found those with an optimistic view were much less likely to die of any cause during the years of the study.
• Try yoga and tai chi. The gentle mind-body practices combine aerobic, strength training, core stability, flexibility and balance. They reduce blood pressure and improve sleep.
• Develop a sense of gratitude for life. Gratitude is sometimes called a combination of humility, grace, love and acceptance. Each day identify at least one thing that enriches your life. Have gratitude be your last thought before you fall asleep at night and your first thought when you wake in the morning.
• Try volunteering. Research shows that participating in meaningful volunteer activities promotes emotional and mental well-being. A study reported in the Journal of Aging and Health found that volunteers had lower blood pressure than non-volunteers.
• Improve your relationships. Forgive yourself and those closest to you. It doesn’t mean you condone a wrong done. Forgiveness is associated with improved mood and lower stress.
– Coach Carlos
