GREETINGS!!!!

I was recently reading a dictionary and came to my new FAVORITE word!!  “VITALITY”  Vitality/Vital/Vitalism are all words that we in the Naturopathic Community tend to use quite often, so it’s a word that I’m fairly familiar with but I never took the time look it up.  I’m glad I did!  For those of you that don’t regularly use a dictionary, or even HAVE a dictionary for that matter (except the one on your phone when the internet is working) I’ll save you the time and tell you:

Vi?tal?i?ty (Vi tál it ­­­e) – 1) Having remarkable energy, liveliness or force of personality; 2) Exuberant physical strength or mental vigor; 3) Capacity for survival for the continuation of a meaningful or purposeful existence; 4) Power to live or grow; 5) Being the seat or source of life

Isn’t that a POWERFUL WORD???  Now you see why it’s my new favorite word in the whole-wide-world!  So, since this is my new favorite word, I’d like to share not only the word itself, but also 12 ways to increase YOUR OWN vitality.  These are in no particular order.  Here goes:

a    Take Naps!

o       Taking periodic naps recharges the body, increases energy, and provides deep relaxation when the body needs it.  Remember how much energy you had when you were a kid?  NO??  Was it too long ago?  Well, I’m here to tell you that children, especially those that still take daily naps, are VERY vital.  Doesn’t it make you want to nap just THINKING about them??

a    Sing in your Car

o       Too many of us keep feelings deep inside us only to have them EXPLODE later.  Instead of just being in rush hour traffic going to a job that you don’t particularly enjoy, release those emotions and increase the joy of driving.  Turn on some music and sing along … or DON’T turn on the music and just sing… as LOUD as you can!  Have a concert!  Make the people in the car next to you think you are crazy.  Who cares!?  It’s your world and you are enjoying it, right??

a    Get plants

o       Having another living being around you creates vitality.  It brightens your living space and can create clean, refreshed air.  Plants can put a smile on your face just by being present.  And the act of taking care of another living thing (aside from the spouse or kids) can give you more of a connection to LIFE!!

a    Go to a Comedy Club once a Month

o       Side splitting laughter is one of the best ways to increase vitality.  Laughing increases immunity, strengthens the heart, improves lung function, and releases a bunch of emotions.  So, laugh hysterically!  It’s ok.  I promise.

a    Try a new spice, herb, or seasoning

o       Live a little!  Try a spice or herb that you’ve never tried before.  Don’t know what to do with it?  Look up a new recipe!  You may find that there are things out there that don’t come in that same ole box of seasoning that you’ve always had in your kitchen.

a    Take a Fish Oil Supplement every day

o       Taking a high quality fish oil supplement every day is crucial for long-term health.  It can give you much needed Omega 3 fatty acids (good fats), increase brain power, decrease inflammation, and do wonders for your heart.

a    Get Frequent Massages

o       Massage stimulates blood flow to muscles and generates a sense of deep relaxation.  Not to mention how good it feels!  There’s no better way to pamper yourself than this!

a    GIVE Frequent Massages

o       Why not share the joy of massage with someone you love?  Not only will the massage benefit them, but the fact that you thought enough of them to provide this enjoyment can make you feel good inside too.  And it’s FREE!!

a    Exercise… For JOY!!

o       Everyone knows they should exercise, but the thought of going to the gym just makes it very unappealing, right?  Well, you don’t have to do go to the gym. Just get active.  If that means dancing in your living room in your underwear, DO IT!!!  And have fun!

a    Have Gratitude

o       We take for granted that the food is there, the air is there, the water is there.  Don’t forget to THANK the One that put it there.  This will give you a greater connection to the Spirit and a greater appreciation for life which then increases joy and vitality!

a    Wear Comfortable Shoes

o       The feet are the worker bees of the body.  Always working, always being abused and always forgotten.  It’s usually not until we are older that we decide that comfort is better than style.  Why not start now and see how GREAT your body feels at the end of the day?!

a    Drink WATER

o       Water is the elixir of life.  Most of us walk around dehydrated and over time, this hurts our vitality.  If you don’t care for water alone, add a slice of lime, cucumber (sounds weird but it’s SOO refreshing!), or orange.  You’d be surprised at how great it is.

There are definitely more than 12 ways to increase vitality, but I this is a good start.  The point is to just begin doing SOMETHING and see how miraculously your body will take over from there.  Once you begin doing a few things, they will become a part of your life and it will be much easier to incorporate others, and you can begin to ENJOY your life more than you had in a very long time!!

If you come up with any others, PLEASE feel free to share.  I’m always open to new suggestions.

Until next time… Peace, Health, and Vitality!!  J

Turshá Hamilton, ND

Naturopathic Physician

Some information was taken from the following sources:

©       My dreams (yes I think about this stuff even in my sleep!)

©       www.WeTheChange.com

©       K. van der Veer, ND

This information is meant for educational purposes only.  It has not been approved by the FDA.  It is in no way meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease condition.  It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical supervision.  Please consult with your naturopathic physician or other healthcare provider before using this information.  Keep this and all other information, out of reach of children!!