A couple of years ago, Chef Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat from Thailand’s legendary Chiva-Som visited our Spafinder offices to prepare for us a healthy, delicious lunch. The food was no less than amazing, but what I remember most was how Zen-like the chef was – so when Chiva-Som offered to share its wellness tips with us, I followed up with a resounding “Yes, please!”
Image credit: Chiva-Som
Their 10 tips are straightforward, easy enough to follow and can make a significant impact on leading a healthy lifestyle.
Reduce Stress
Laugh more, and find ways to enjoy more of your time, at work or at home, while studying, shopping or traveling to work. Think of ways to enjoy time with friends and also, enjoy time by yourself. Think positive thoughts and feel positive for at least 30 minutes a day and gradually build up time developing positive thought patterns on a daily basis. Get a massage, manicure, facial or a haircut. Meditate or listen to soothing music. Avoid difficult people when possible and avoid being difficult.
Image Credit: Chiva-Som
Protect Yourself from Pollution
Keep plants in your home and office. If you can’t live in a pollution-free environment, take regular trips to the country side. Avoid smoke-filled rooms and high traffic areas. Time your outdoor activities to be taken during low smog periods.
Image Credit: Chiva-Som
Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
Smile and be happy! Keep a cheerful outlook on life. Compliment someone, make others smile and never leave home without finding something about yourself to feel good and confident about. If you find that you’re feeling low, meditate and clear out old energy that might contain negativity about someone or something that you’ve experienced recently.
Move More
Find ways to be as active as possible. Staying active doesn’t always mean dedicating hours at gym, high level aerobics or kickboxing classes, these are great for when you’ve built up your stamina, but when you’re trying to get back into shape there are ways to ease your body back into exercise. We can find simple ways to move our body by doing constructive and relaxing activities. Climb stairs if given a choice; walk the dog; play with children; enjoy sports with friends; mow the lawn; clear your clutter. Through movement we overcome stagnation of energy, clear mental blockages and relieve stress.
Cut Out Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats like pork, bacon, sausages and ribs. Eat low-fat versions of dairy products (cottage cheese, cheese, milk) and avoid cream. Limit portions of nuts, mayonnaise, cold meats, butter, margarine and sauces. Find healthier lower-fat versions.
Avoid Alcohol
While you may be having a glass of wine or one drink every other day, always be mindful to allow your body to detox and recover more frequently. Excessive alcohol intake can depress the immune system over time and could lead to health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Seasonal detoxes help to cleanse and revitalize the vital organs.
Brush Your Teeth
Be confident with your smile especially when talking to others and don’t be afraid to laugh more. Brush and floss your teeth after each meal to maintain good oral hygiene.
Make Something
Get your creative energy going, by making things and developing your artistic side. Cook with new or old favorite recipes, build, paint, write, sew, recycle something, put a photo album together, or if you like, plant some seeds and don’t forget to water them!
Have a Smoothie
Adventure into the health and delight of veggie or fruit smoothies. These are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and a smoothie contains fiber to keep you regular and less prone to snacking as compared to the juice option.
Plus, Drink Water
Obvious, you might say, but you’d be surprised at how easily one dehydrates. Pure filtered mineral water is always best. Try to include boiled water to clear your complexion or in the form of caffeine-free natural herbal teas to help improve your digestion and soothe your mind.
