Wellness Rules

I've blogged before about my favorite spa vacation, Miraval, in Tucson, Arizona. I have been there many times, and have tried to take away from each visit their overall philosophy of life, "life in balance." It's what I was taught by my mother (everything in moderation), and how I try to live. So one of the things I read frequently is the Miraval website, as they often have guests giving health and fitness tips. Recently I read an excerpt from Dr. Andrew Weil's article about integrative wellness. Here are some of his rules for healthy people. 1. Hang out with positive people. 2. Take a break from your militant diet and exercise regime. In other words, give yourself a break. I would do well to take that advice. 3. Get back to-or into nature. If you've never been one to appreciate the great outdoors, or if you've been caught up in life and have ignored the beauty all around, take a look. Go to the park and read the paper. Sit on a cliff overlooking the ocean and think. Walk along the lagoon. We've got the most beautiful sites in our backyard, and a walk in the park will most definitely lower your blood pressure and raise your spirits. 4. Practice Hari Hachi Bu-that's the Japanese practice of eating until you are 80% full. You heard for years that it takes 20 minutes for your brain to register what you have eaten, so give your food a chance to digest before stuffing yourself. 5. Double your D's. That's vitamin D, especially in winter when the sun doesn't shine as much (except in San Diego!). Low vitamin D can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. 6. Try some tulsi-holy basil. Sip it in tea. It is full of anti oxidants and anti inflammatory properties, lowers cortisol, the hormone associated with belly fat. It has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. 7. Eat all kinds of mushrooms. They have anti inflammatory properties and may boost your immune system. 8. Do HIIT- high intensity interval training. 9. Know your trigger points-don't overwork your muscles. This can lead to stiffness, pain and limited range of motion.