Body Sense

8 Body Sense 8 Body Sense you enjoy the activity, you will be more likely to commit to 30 minutes per day. Walking is one of the most accessible and natural forms of aerobic activity we can do. Exercise changes the energy in the body and promotes happy hormone and neurotransmitter production, which supports a strong immunity. 4. SLEEP Recently, there has been a surge in research on the circadian rhythm cycle and how it affects our sleep. There is a small part of the hypothalamus, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, that is tasked with noticing light. It contains approximately 20,000 neurons that respond to light and it sends information to cells to regulate the body's systems based on light and darkness. Sleep is a powerful anti-inflammatory and it's how the body repairs and restores itself. To prepare for restful sleep, turn off the mind stimulators at least 1 hour, if not 2 hours, before bed to calm the mind and slow down breathing. Nature teaches us what we need to know. Follow the sun. Wake up when it's light and prepare for sleep when it is dark. 5. EAT MORE PLANTS Not only are plants full of healthy vitamins, phytonutrients, and minerals you'll need to support a healthy immune system, but they are also easier for the organs to break down and digest so that you can more easily absorb essential nutrients. To keep it simple and fun, one method I use is to pretend my plate is a canvas and I'm painting all the colors of the rainbow onto my plate with different colored vegetables. You will not only satisfy your taste buds, but also nourish your brain and body. 6. ENLIVEN ALL FIVE SENSES Ayurveda, an ancient healing system dating to 6,000 BCE in the Indus Valley, teaches us how to heal through our senses. When the mind is out of balance, look to balance the 3 S's: sight/sound/ smell. Pick a time each day for your digital detox and opt for things that are more soothing to the mind, such as looking at images of nature, listening to healing sounds or music, and breathing in essential oils or aromatherapy. When the body is out of balance, look to the 2 T's: taste and touch. Choose to consume healthy foods throughout the day, get exercise, or give yourself a massage with warming oils at bath time. 7. HYDRATE While there continues to be a debate on what is the recommended amount of water needed to consume daily, keeping your organs hydrated and nourished is a sound practice. With today's busy schedules and lifestyles, on average many people operate under-hydrated. Remember, you can also consume water content through fruits and vegetables, plus you'll get the benefit of vitamins and other nutrients. Every experience we have sends a message from the brain to every cell in our body. Be conscious of every choice, every experience you take in through your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. Ask yourself, does this choice put me in the direction of mind/body harmony or disharmony? Before you make a choice, take a deep breath. You've got this! Angie Parris-Raney, LMT, has been practicing massage therapy and bodywork in Colorado since 2001. She is certified through the Chopra Center as a meditation teacher and has expanded her practice to serve children and families living in poverty in Peru through her nonprofit, Project Inti. Ask yourself, does this choice put me in the direction of mind/body harmony or disharmony?

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