RAINBOW
Rainbow Balance is about healthy living of mind, body and soul. We can live the rainbow by remembering what it stands for.
“R” stands for Relaxation, (Resting, Restoring, Recharging).
Often, we live our life rushing and racing from here to there. We are pulled in so many directions, trying to get everything checked off our “to-do” list.
An important “to-do” is resting. Resting is the intentional act of stopping to allow our bodies to be restored and recharged. After all, we charge our cell phones when they are low on battery and yet, when it comes to our bodies, we often don’t make ourselves a priority. We often crash and burn at the end of our day; exhausted.
Why not set some time on your calendar to relax, recharge and restore?
“A” stands for Active (Aerobics, Ambulating, Action)
Are you getting your heart rate up? Are you getting enough physical activity? Moving your body in a way that feels good for you is the key. You do not have to be a marathon runner or a mountain climber. You can do whatever you love.
I recently joined a gym that is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. I walk there from my house and then up three flights of stairs. The hardest part is getting there. Admittedly, the best part is when the workout is over. I then feel energized, happy and filled with wonderful endorphins.
Here are some benefits to moving our bodies: exercise helps us to burn fat. It makes us more alert. It helps us to sleep better and grow stronger. It wards away disease and alleviates stress.
Too tired to exercise? Then you probably need to exercise! Exercise energizes us and lifts our mood. Being active must be non-negotiable!
“I” stands for inner work, going inside.
This is something that many of us avoid like the plague. Going inside may be seen as uncomfortable and scary. And often, facing ourselves is the hardest work we can do.
I am here to tell you, it’s worth it. Before I hired a coach, I rarely, if ever, looked inside my heart to ask myself: what do I want? What is my purpose on this planet? I didn’t know it was an option. I didn’t think I had a purpose. And even if I did, I thought perhaps it would be revealed to me. I didn’t understand that I had a part in seeking it.
Delving into myself has been so revealing. The more I understand myself, the better I am at accepting myself. The more self-exploration I do, the happier I am. If you have never explored inside your soul to see yourself; to understand who you are at your very core, you are missing out on such an important part of life’s journey. I believe it is the most powerful thing you can do for yourself. It is transformational and life-changing!
“N” stands for Nourishing (Nutrition, Nature’s Bounty)
One thing I am passionate about is nourishing my body with nutrients. I am a “foodie” but not in the traditional sense of the word. I believe in eating organic foods from the earth. Do you? How much of what you ingest is healthy? Are you eating nutrients that will feed your cells? Are you grabbing and going or are you enjoying a homemade meal, prepared especially for you?
I love the quote from Michael Pollan that says: “Eat plants, not things made in plants.”
And the best part: I have never enjoyed food as much as I do now, since I started eating clean. I recommend eating the rainbow, foods rich in phytonutrients. I believe eating a variety of colorful foods is key to health and wellness!
“B” is for Breathwork (Breathing)
If we are alive, we are probably breathing daily.
But what is the quality of your breathing? Is it rapid and labored or is it slow and calm?
Breathwork can be key to getting rid of stress and anxiety (and a whole host of diseases!)
How often do you sit and intentionally breathe? Whether it’s a part of your meditation or yoga practice or you work with a breathwork practitioner, breathing is one of the most important things we can do for our physical, emotional and spiritual health.
I remember the first time I learned this. I was listening to an interview with Dr. Andrew Weil after he wrote his book Optimal Health. The interviewer asked Dr. Weil: Out of all the important things to do for well being, which one is the most important? I was blown away when he said, intentionally breathing was the most important modality for wellness.
If you’re not taking the time to breathe, why not? You can combine this with the “R” step and intentionally breathe when you’re resting!
“O” is for outdoors.
Remember when we were little, our parents told us to play outside? Yes, it was probably to get us out of their hair, but it was way more than that.
Turns out, mom really does know best. Being outside is the best medicine. Fresh air, sunshine and nature are three of the best healing remedies – and they’re free! Being outside elevates your mood and grounds you. Being in nature, whether it be gardening, hiking or spending the day at the beach can be just what the doctor ordered for your mental (and physical and spiritual) health.
Go play outside. You will be glad you did!
“W” is for water consumption. Water is the essence of life. Our bodies are made up of 60% water. Consuming water is good for: joint health, skin health, delivering oxygen, digestion, flushing out waste, leveling blood pressure, kidney health, increasing energy, weight loss, among other things.
Water is one of the most readily-available, essential elements we have and yet, many of us are dehydrated. This is unacceptable.
I suggest getting a filter that will eliminate dangerous particulates and drink water often. Drink about half of your weight (in ounces) of water a day.
I love to make a pitcher of water daily with fresh lemon, cucumber and ginger. You can use a lot of fruits and herbs to give it a little umph. Fruits and veggies are also very hydrating!
Living the RAINBOW is a way of life. If you need any help in any (or all) of these areas, I am here for you (click here)!
Remember, disease prevention is key. Healing is possible no matter where you are on your health journey!
Let’s live the RAINBOW today!
