This writing piece drew some it’s inspiration from the Blue Zones Netflix series; to learn more, please explore the Blue Zones website.
Introduction
Have you watched the Netflix series about areas scattered around the world where it has been discovered that the people who reside in these regions are living the longest? It’s hardly surprising that the answers boiled down to simple answers and some ancient knowledge and wisdom.
Key Takeaways
- Many of the elders had a connection to nature and continued to remain flexible and fit. They continued to work in nature or enjoy walks and exercise.
- The elders had learned resilience through overcoming challenges and hardships.
- In Singapore, the government prioritised people's health and well-being, emphasising healthy eating and exercise. Cars were discouraged, so people walked, cycled, and used the impressive public transport systems. They upheld strict laws against crime.
- Natural herbs were prevalent for brewing tea and medicinal purposes.
- No chemicals and pesticides were used on natural homegrown resources such as herbs, vegetables, honey and wine.
- All the elders upheld a strong faith, and purpose for life.
- It became clear that neither extravagance nor luxury were essential for happiness.
- Genuine connection, fun and group exercise in the community.
- Daily exercise e.g. walking up hills, working the land, and group exercise routines helped contribute to happiness, fitness and fellowship.
- Cooking from scratch using fresh, natural, local ingredients, and eating together.
- Family connections.
Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Applying Simple Healthy Principles to Our Lives
In the Western world, there's a deep need for leaders to exemplify true health, serving as role models to create vital and much-needed societal changes.
Embarking on the journey to become a healthier individual can start with very small, manageable changes, rather than feeling it's unattainable and too daunting. While the typical Western lifestyle may not fully endorse natural health, we can strive to do our best by slowly reducing our consumption of processed foods, and sugary drinks, and minimising excessive fear-based, violent movies and programs.
Vitality and health begins by setting intentions to channel more energy into revitalising our mind, body, and spirit.
Western culture struggles with addiction to sugary drinks and sugar-laden foods. This sugar addiction creates unhealthy gut bacteria which can negatively affect the brain. The mind and body are interconnected, one cannot be healthy without the other.
Begin with small steps; here are some strategies that may help. These tips are not intended to replace medical advice.
- When an urge or craving strikes for a sugary drink or snack resist the impulse to immediately satisfy it. Acknowledge the voice in your head that's pushing for gratification. Question its identity and its demands. Will you let this inner voice dictate your desires?
- Observe the growing agitation when you resist an urge or craving. It's interesting to note that the things that control us often have the strongest grip when they're on their way out. Stay conscious and watch the inner workings of your mind, as though a spectator.
- To emerge from the confines of the mind, enter the tranquillity of your being. It is better to be outside in nature or a quiet space. Take deep breaths and exhale slowly, easing yourself into relaxation. Tune into every sense. What can you hear, what sensations do you sense on your skin, what sights meet your eyes, what scents drift to your nose, and what flavours linger on your tongue? This straightforward exercise brings us into harmony with our senses, instantly soothing both mind and body.
- For certain foods and sugar cravings, it may only take a few days to start losing the cravings and urges.
The right side of the brain is often associated with various human experiences, including creativity, music awareness, intuition, and spiritual encounters. Use this meditation to experience all the 5 senses of your being.
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Overcoming Western Lifestyle Challenges
Observe the changes in how you feel as you slowly begin eliminating unhealthy fats and sugar from your diet. Your mind becomes less preoccupied with cravings, and your body is freed up from expending energy on digestion with much more energy to devote to healthier activities.
Seeking change usually involves giving up some level of comfort, which can be challenging as people naturally gravitate towards comfort and ease, explaining the popularity of fast food restaurants.
Often, it's a health scare that prompts serious consideration of altering one's lifestyle. Yet, true transformation depends on personal dedication, along with the right support to make that change become a reality.
Setbacks are a natural aspect of life, and the way you talk to yourself during these times is important. Do you berate yourself and wallow in guilt, or do you shake it off and refuse to let a few expected setbacks bring you down?
It is widely recognised that stress, junk food, and sugary beverages can lead to ailments in both the mind and body. The term 'ailment' refers to an illness, with 'ment' indicating a state of being. Naturally, we want to aim to avoid ailments as much as possible that negatively affect our lifespan.
The Western approach often prioritises treating symptoms with pharmaceuticals, neglecting to tackle the underlying root causes of poor physical and mental health. It's no surprise this approach has led to enormous widespread health issues.
Eating in alignment with nature‘s principles is indeed the path to true health, it is not a strict diet as some may presume but the way the human body was designed to nourish itself for optimal health.
I will share some of my strategies for change, but please do not consider this as medical advice; these are simple approaches that I have found effective .
- Daily activity involving a walk in nature.
- Travel abroad or closer to home that involves adventure, expanding comfort zones and hiking in nature. These activities help us to build resilience and are an enjoyable way to keep fit.
- Limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining awareness of our relationship with it is crucial.
- Meditation, reverence, mindfulness, prayer and gratitude.
- Eating in harmony with nature's principles, which involves preparing meals from scratch with quick, simple, cost-effective ingredients.
- Sitting down at the table to eat with no distractions. Making a habit of this means you are less likely to over consume and focus solely on your meal.
- Sprouting grains and making homemade broths and soups which offer nutrition that is both effortless and economical. Additionally, baking your bread using a bread maker saves time and requires only simple ingredients; it tastes much better, and is without the added sugar and preservative, unlike most packaged breads.
- Strength training and some minimal cardio for about forty minutes twice a week.
- A sense of purpose.
- Dissolving relationships that negatively impact us and pull us down.
- Making connections that uplift our energy and provide a sense of empowerment.
- Making time as a couple and for our family relationship.
- Avoiding all pharmaceutical drugs wherever possible.
- A restful night's sleep
- Very minimal TV
- Avoiding too much stress
The above list is not exhaustive and minor adjustments can lead to big changes over time.
1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
DISCLAIMER: "Blue Zones" is a registered trademark of Blue Zones, LLC. We are not associated in any way with the brand. This writing piece is for informational purposes only. Please visit their website for full information.
