By Barry Farber, Diamond Minds
I remember many years ago someone telling me that health is wealth. As I get older, I realize that nothing is more important than health. So, what can we eat to live a healthier and happier life? What simple exercises and daily routines can help to keep our bodies fit? How can we improve our minds and the way we think? The answer is having the right F.R.A.M.E. of mind.
Remember F.R.A.M.E. to stay healthy:
Food: Finding a way to eat a balanced diet in a way that works for you is key. Common sense tells you to include lots of water, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and grains in your diet. I’ve interviewed many of the top nutritionists, doctors, and scientists on the healthiest ways we can feed our body and the overwhelming response has been a Whole Foods Plant Based lifestyle. Great martial arts masters are legendary for their strength, agility, and stamina. Their diet included foods that must not spoil easily, must be tasty, must be simple to prepare, and must make one feel full even when eaten in small amounts. Keep in mind, that there is no one way for everyone. What works for one person doesn’t always work for another person. I would recommend taking a look at a book called The China Study by Dr. Colin Campbell. It is the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted and investigates the startling implications of diet on weight loss and long-term health.
Rest: During the day, when you feel overwhelmed or lose your focus and clarity, sometimes all it takes is a short break in the action to clear your mind, relax, regroup, and come back with a clear head. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that fatigue is to blame for up to 90% of all industrial accidents and costs businesses $18 billion a year in lost productivity. The answer? Short naps- especially a 15-20 minute nap about eight hours after you wake up will bring you back into focus. However much sleep you require, rest helps to restore your energy, but be careful. Too much rest is rust!
Air: Oxygen sustains you, regulates your heartbeat, and feeds both your brain and your blood. Refresh the oxygen in your brain and blood several times a day. Here is an easy exercise to do. Use the 4-4-4 method: breathe in through your nostrils for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and breathe out through your mouth for four seconds (or longer). It’s amazing how this simple exercise can relieve stress and add energy.
Mind: One of the greatest statements I’ve ever heard was by Earl Nightingale, “You become what you think about.” We are all a product of our environment. To increase our mental energy, we need to be selective of what we read and also the people around us. Read books that increase your effectiveness. Surround yourself with high-energy people. It’s amazing how certain people can suck out all our mental and physical energy, and yet we surround ourselves with them every day. We become like those around us. So be selective of what you read, but also be careful with whom you associate.
Exercise: Commit to exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 2 to 3 days a week. Regular exercise not only increases overall energy levels, it also boosts our feelings of health, well-being, and self-esteem. Contrary to what many people think, sitting around and doing nothing makes you tired. The more energy you expend, the more energy you expand within yourself.
So the next time you feel like you’re not in the right F.R.A.M.E. of mind, think about how you’re doing in these five areas and remember health is wealth.
Barry Farber is a best-selling author, an award-winning radio and television host as well as an agent and marketing consultant for corporations, professional athletes, and entertainers. He’s also the creator and marketer of the FoldzFlat® Pens. His latest release is an inspirational children’s book, In Search of the Magic Tree, available at www.barryfarber.com.
Follow him @barryfarberofficial.