Stop and Smell the Roses for Your Health
By Debra Rodzinak
Technology has allowed us to instantly connect with friends, find out information at the touch of a screen, and shop without leaving our homes. In fact, since the rise of technology, life has become much more efficient, but with this efficiency, mankind has also paid a price. Lives seem to be more hurried, hectic, and overall busier. People seem to be busier and more stressed than ever before.
With the constant stress and hustle and bustle of today’s lifestyle, inflammatory issues can lead to conditions like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, or even wrinkles. Taking time to slow down is not only important for overall mental health, but physical health too. There are some tips that can help you slow down and live a better life.
Get Involved
We all have problems. Even if you work day and night to solve the top 10 problems on your list, there will always be 10 more to take their place. By finding a way to get involved in a community activity or charity, the focus is taken off of the problems and placed on others. Often people that volunteer find that what they thought were their biggest problems really aren’t so big after all.
Plant Something
Gardening forces people to slow down and literally smell the roses. Taking time to breathe in fresh air, listen to the birds sing, and getting a little exercise can lighten a bad mood. Indoor plants also help clean the air of toxins that may build up.
Eat with the Family
Make dinner time a mandatory part of every day. By connecting at the dinner table, families are able to stay connected, talk to each other about problems and solutions, and feel part of something bigger. Studies have shown that children who sit down at a table to eat with adults are socially and physically healthier than their counterparts. Added tip: When having family mealtime, make a rule that all electronic devices are either left away from the table or turned off.
Sleep
Benjamin Franklin said, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” These words have never run truer in today’s age of late night TV. For the night owls, try to do something relaxing once the sun goes down, like reading a book or listening to music. The optimal amount of sleep per night is between 8 to 10 hours.
No matter what you use to slow down, just remember the added health benefits of finding time to take a step back and readjust.