For Our Health

Do you do anything for your “health”? I recently had a small medical scare where I thought there might be seriously wrong with me. Turns out, it’s just stress! (cue hysterical laughter). So as a result I’ve been trying to find small ways to “improve my health” as it were. But I’m so lazy…and I really feel like there isn’t enough time…so instead,  I thought I’d assuage my guilt and list the things I already do on a daily basis to try to be a good citizen. And of course ask you all what you do to be healthy as well, so I can try to be motivated. First, here are the (meager) habits that I’ve managed to incorporate into my own routine:

My tree!

1. Lemon water. I have a lemon tree in my backyard, so this is easy. Each morning (or every other) I go out and cut one down and squeeze it into my water. I drink LOTS of water (this is my one good habit, which stems from high school, when I thought it would help with zits – it didn’t). But by then I’d gotten used to it. I’m convinced drinking lemon water has helped me ward off all sorts of nasty diseases that troop through household courtesy of my children. And it’s yummy, especially squeezed in some Pellegrino.

By the way, for anybody who tells me that they just cannot drink enough water – this Hydroflask is my favorite gift of choice. Fill it up in the morning, and just finish it by the evening. Easy!

2. Probiotics. Yeah I don’t know if they really work. Am I just wasting my money? But I’m on the train nonetheless. I’ve experimented with different brands and over the years have settled on this one from Garden of Life. I really like it! Not to get too gross, but I’m very ah…regular with it. It’s a little more expensive than other brands but I’m convinced this is a good one.

3. Breathing exercises. I do a certain breathing exercise whenever I have a spare moment – in line at the grocery store, waiting to fill up a jug of my water, etc.  Now let’s be clear – I’m very far from a six pack – but I can kind of get away with a two piece swimsuit (only in the morning, before I’ve had breakfast, sucking in the entire time) because of it. And it’s easy! You just “breathe in”. PS: This is largely for those who have had a baby. If you haven’t and still want to read on, be warned that this article contains the words “mommy pooch”.

4. Teas. I count tea as water (and I don’t want to know if I shouldn’t). My favorite tea (for “health” purposes) is raspberry tea. I really think it has made my period cramps much better! Try it, if you have trouble. Also I think it tastes quite nice.

5. Night walks. Each evening I do a brisk half hour walk. It gives me energy (otherwise I feel like collapsing at the end of the day) and its a great time to collect my thoughts. Sometimes I’m very lazy but I usually force myself and am glad for it.

Something I don’t do: Meditation. My doctor suggested this and I’ve recommended it many, many times but I still can’t get “into” it. I never reach that peaceful state. All I reach is that moment where I think tons of times has gone by but really none has, and I give up and research pretty things I might one day like to buy. Although you know, that’s been fairly relaxing too. Do you meditate?

What do you do, for your health?