5 Resources for a Happy, Healthy Life
Imagine you are at the end of your life in healthy mind and body. Looking back on this moment, what will your wiser-elder self say about this moment now? How will it matter? What stands out to you about being most important? Is there anything you would change?
I made a new friend this week and we had a fantastic conversation on our walk around the Lafayette Reservoir focused on health and wellbeing and the various impacts of food and inflammation on our overall health.
Here are five resources that are on my mind that I’d like to share with you to explore on your path to prioritizing your health.
The new Netflix docuseries, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” by Dan Buettner, author of several books on the Blue Zones and part of the team that trademarked the term, is bringing greater awareness to the understanding of lifestyles in the Blue Zones, pockets of good health with diverse populations that all experience unusually long lives, and what we can learn from them.
Four key factors that all Blue Zones share include Food (Whole Food Plant-Based Diet), Natural Movement, Social Connection, and Sense of Purpose. Watch the series or read the book and let me know what you learn. I would love to hear from you! Also, check out the Blue Zones Food Guidelines.
2. The Oura Ring. My boyfriend and several friends have one and it is next on my list to order. Sleep is the number one priority for good health. Without it, you increase your risk for a range of illnesses from heart disease, stroke, obesity, and dementia. The Oura ring tracks a range of criteria to present you with sleep, readiness, and activity scores. Are you tracking your sleep? Do you have an Oura ring? If so, let me know how you like it.
3. Music. On one of the latest Huberman Lab podcasts, he shares a simple concept – listen to upbeat music for at least nine minutes to improve your mood. Are you a “dance in your kitchen” kind of person like me? What’s your favorite upbeat music to help you feel better? I’m thinking of the song, “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves.
Learn more about the effects of music on your mood. Listen to the Huberman Lab podcast episode and let me know what you think.
4. Social Connection - Join a group doing something you love. A friend started a hiking group and I have met so many incredible new friends through this hiking group. It is so fantastic to be in nature, socializing, and moving our bodies. My son started a yo-yo club at his school and 31 people signed up. Find what you love and invite people to join you!
5. Movement. If you haven’t heard, I’m a yoga teacher and yoga is such a great way to move your body for graceful aging. Do you want to be able to go to the bathroom by yourself when you are 90? That’s Utkatasana, chair pose. Through yoga, you can improve your circulation, increase your balance, strengthen your body, gain clarity in your mind, and so much more.
Want to try yoga? Join me for a 6-week Beginner Yoga Series starting next Tuesday, September 26, 9-10 am in Lafayette, CA. Price is $145. Learn more and register. (In order to register, select your time zone and then “continue” to get to the checkout page.)