The True Meaning of Health: Beyond Just Being Disease-Free
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Chapter 1: Understanding Health
Being truly healthy transcends merely not having a disease. While financial resources can help us acquire exercise equipment and organic foods, they can't directly buy health. One can pay for medical consultations, surgeries, or prescribed treatments, yet the responsibility to engage and act upon those recommendations lies with us. Simply put, following a doctor's advice may lead to recovery, but it's not guaranteed, as the term 'practicing medicine' suggests.
Many elements contribute to our overall well-being, including nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Even the rhythm of our daily life can have a significant impact. Markham Heid emphasizes this point by stating:
“…Slowness, on the other hand, appears to be an antidote. Pick an evidence-supported form of stress or relaxation therapy — meditation, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, progressive muscle relaxation, gardening — and you’ll notice that slowness is a feature. All of these activities promote reduced sympathetic activity and increased parasympathetic activity, which is often described as the “brake” on the body’s fight-or-flight response.”
Section 1.1: The Dangers of Living in a Rush
The fast-paced nature of modern life can lead to nervous system issues and various health complications.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Benefits of Nature
When discussing exercise, Shashank Iyer advocates for hiking:
“A brisk walk along a moderately challenging nature trail can elevate your mood and leave you feeling revitalized. I’m an enthusiastic hiker, having completed around 30 significant hikes last year. Immersing myself in nature has positively influenced my mental state. Hiking helps me detach from overwhelming thoughts, allowing me to refocus. The tranquil environment, fresh air, and expansive greenery create a meditative experience.”
Section 1.2: Gratitude for Health
Sometimes we overlook the importance of appreciating our health. Ali shares her own journey, reflecting on her progress:
“Yesterday, I managed to go for a 25-minute walk. You wouldn’t believe the joy and pride I felt upon completing that simple task. Once home, I had the energy to do some light exercises and prepare breakfast. I even began writing and reading, finally making it to Medium to enjoy some captivating stories. It felt like a small victory after weeks of struggle!”
Chapter 2: Sleep and Its Impact on Health
Saurabh Adhane highlights three crucial elements that affect our sleep:
“In Ayurveda, sleep is considered a form of medicine. Your wellness is linked to your diet and sleep patterns. Nowadays, sleep often feels like a luxury. Are you ensuring you get at least 8 hours of rest daily?”
The first video, "Health and Development: The Absence of Disease is Not Enough," discusses how holistic health encompasses various aspects beyond just the absence of illness.
We have been advised to aim for 10,000 steps daily. Brendan, a coaching apprentice, examines the research and notes:
“While the evidence doesn’t definitively state that 10,000 steps is the ideal daily target, we know walking is beneficial. According to Cancer Research UK, walking can alleviate stress, boost energy, enhance sleep quality, and lower blood pressure, among other advantages.”
The second video, “Webinar: Health and Development: The Absence of Disease is Not Enough,” provides insights into the multifaceted nature of health in a modern context.
Section 2.1: Green Smoothies for Wellness
In The Inspired OT, a personal experiment with green smoothies reveals unexpected benefits:
“I was taken aback by the results after just one week. I found that I didn’t feel hungry for several hours, which surprised me since I didn’t add protein. Sipping on the smoothie throughout the morning kept me satisfied, likely due to its hydrating properties and fiber content.”
There are numerous strategies we can adopt to maintain our health and recover when we feel unwell. Our bodies are remarkable systems that require proper care and attention to function optimally.
Listen to your body, nurture it, and it will serve you well for years to come. Join me in writing for Medium — it’s free! Using this affiliate link allows unlimited access (no extra cost to you, but I’ll receive a small portion). If you’re interested, you can also make a small donation here.