Being healthy is not as simple as just drinking a green smoothie or working out as much as you can to sweat it out.  While those things are marketed as part of a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to recognize that being a healthy person is something that comes from within as well.

So often we immerse ourselves in our busy lives without really taking the time to take care of ourselves. We wake up, work, maybe fit in a workout, eat, sleep…then it’s like rinse and repeat. I know I’m guilty of this… and I think it’s something everyone can relate to at some level.

I’ve done a lot of soul searching in the past year and really have thought about this question more recently.  So… how does one become healthy from within? I’ve narrowed it down to these five main points which I hope can help you too.

1. Stop doubting yourself and actually do it.  When we want change in our life, there is always a doubt in our minds saying we can’t.  It’s almost like a little devil on your shoulder.  Don’t  workout because you don’t have time.  Don’t ask for a raise because you know they’ll say no.  Instead of automatically jumping to a negative conclusion…embrace that if you try to change something, there can be different outcomes.  Either way it goes, you’ll work through it and it will be okay.
2.  Stop looking to the past for answers. It’s called history for a reason.  Sometimes we stop living in the present because we think of past experiences that hurt us, that burnt us.  Rather than dwell on the past pain, realize that that experience shaped you as an individual and into the person you are today.
3. Don’t be afraid of change. This is kind of similar to my last point.  Just because it didn’t work out the first time, doesn’t mean the same thing will happen again. Sometimes change can be a good thing. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.  You might be glad you did.
4. Avoid people who bring you down.  Sometimes it’s hard to recognize when someone is a bad influence in your life.  They appear just like all of your other relationships and seem to be your friend.  But instead of your relationship progressing, things take a weird turn and you end up feeling like you are being used.  If you can’t avoid a person like this entirely, just accept that they are that type of person and try to move on.  You want to be around people that lift you up, not bring you down.
5. Be yourself and embrace it. You are the only you, and there is no one quite like you. Now is the time to celebrate!

Writing this article was actually very therapeutic for me and I’m going to remember this going into the week. What do you do to stay healthy?  Share in the comments below.

-Brittany

Sometimes taking a moment from your busy day to stop and think can be the best medicine.  This photo is taken from one of my favorite reflection spots at Broadway Pier near San Diego’s Embarcadero.