Installment #1 Final Report (sec. 8)

    

Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit

     I have decided to talk about the importance of a healthy mind, body and spirit. In this installment, I’ll discuss my philosophy of the importance of keeping a healthy body. Taking care of our physical bodies is essential for our overall health. Having a healthy body is the foundation for keeping a healthy mind and spirit. I believe it is important to maintain fitness and good nutrition to nourish our bodies, improve circulation, digestion and strength.

      When you stay active it increases your metabolism and releases endorphins, improving your energy, moods and health. Being a college student who also works, finding time to go to the gym can be tough, but I feel my health should be my number one priority.  I find little ways to stay active throughout the day even if I’m busy. I have a rule that if I have to go up or down a building five or less floors I will always take the stairs, I will park farther away in a parking lot, and if I can find at least fifteen minutes a day to stretch and do a light work out I will. Otherwise I try to workout five days a week.

     I never used to think about what I ate until college. After taking nutrition classes and learning about food, I became super aware of what I was putting in my body. Your nutrition affects every single cell in your body. Why would we sacrifice our diet when it is responsible for your full health and well being? Since I have become much more aware of what I am putting in my body, I have not only gotten into better physical shape, but I have felt better, have more energy and my moods have improved.

            I believe it is important to maintain physical health in order to keep your mind and spirit healthy as well.

Link to the website for the documentary "Forks over Knives". Really opens your eyes to what you are putting into your body and living a healthy lifestyle: http://www.forksoverknives.com