8 Foundations of Health

It’s easy to get carried away in elaborate health strategies and conflicting information, only to forget what’s truly important for wellness. It’s like decorating a house before you’ve given it a proper foundation and good structure. Supplements, medications, bio-hacking, lotions and potions can be great… in addition to having the foundations of health active in your life. There are times that health gets complicated and there’s much more needed than these foundational elements, however without these 8 elements there’s no real foundation for health.

What’s foundational for good health?

The foundations of health are elements we must have to survive, thrive and rejuvenate. They’re the elements most crucial to include in our day-to-day routines. This will look differently for everyone, but you’ll find that integrating these elements into your life will have a profound effect on your overall well-being. Come along with me as I explore each foundation of health and get some tips of how to integrate them into your life.

Proper Breathing

Proper breathing is a keystone of health. Taking full, expansive, conscious breaths throughout your day will energize and balance you, while increasing the oxygen for every part of your body. Breathing fresh air as often as possible is also important. Breathing can help center and calm you as well, and is a great tool for alleviating stress and anxiety. Remember throughout the day to notice your breathing, take some conscious breaths and get out in the fresh air.

Proper Sleep

Sleep is where the magic happens. Our body goes into clean-up mode, our brain goes into cataloging mode and we go into dream mode. Allowing for the sleep and rest that’s truly needed each day is a crucial aspect of health. Fall in love with going to sleep, and know that so much is being healed, detoxified and rejuvenated during this time. Wind down, get comfortable and snooze. Use your proper breathing to relax and release any stress of the day. Remember that dreams are also powerful tools that may contain messages about your health, life, purpose and much more.

Proper Movement

Our bodies were made to move and there’s no denying it. Modern life may have shifted us toward sedentary activities, but that doesn’t change the fact: we’re made to move. Proper movement helps to increase circulation, strengthen muscle, lubricate joints, pump the lymphatic system, improve brain function, as well as alleviate stress, depression and anxiety. Movements involved in everyday household tasks, walking around, stretching, gardening, even laughing, all count. Incorporate movement into your days however you can, in ways that work for your body and lifestyle.

Proper Sunlight

If we were made to move, we were also surely made to be in sunlight. There are so many bodily functions that depend on us absorbing sunlight. Sunlight helps to: set our circadian rhythm; spark the production of vitamins and hormones; cleanse the body, and so much more. Soak up adequate sunlight each day in a way that’s sensible for you, and the more skin you can bare to the sun (safely) the better. Remember, even if it’s gloomy you’ll still be getting some sunlight.

Proper Grounding

Grounding… earthing… it’s all the rage. We’re talking bare feet on the earth, like skin-to-skin with the earth. As humans, we’re lots of things, including electromagnetic. We need the connection with natural earth to ground and receive energy, contact beneficial microbes, minerals, etc. The science of grounding/earthing is fascinating, and maybe that will be an upcoming blog. For now, let’s just say there are beautiful correlations with improved sleep, lower inflammation, mental clarity, decreased stress and much more. So each day, take your shoes off and walk, stand, sit or lay on the earth (soil, sand, rock, grass).

Proper Hydration

We’re partly made of water and must replenish continually. Hydration is not just about drinking clean water, but also considering the electrolyte balance, as not to get watered-down. At times, adding lemon to water or drinking coconut water can help add some minerals. Consider that receiving hydration from food is important as well. Soups, smoothies, fresh juices, fruits and many vegetables have a high water content, which is an additional source of hydration.

Proper Nutrition

Giving our body the nutrients it needs so it can do what it needs to do is essential. The food we eat is used to fuel, heal and inform our body… if it’s nutritious. If it’s not, then we’re just giving it junk and it will probably give us junk back. Balanced nutrition allows the body to thrive. To improve your nutrition, you can try implementing one of my favorite diet plans by Michael Pollan: Eat food, not too much, mostly plants. Remember that sometimes when we’re hungry (or not hungry) it may not be about food. Nutrition is important, yet we can also be hungry for any of the other foundations of health listed here, and more.

Proper Love

Perhaps if I were bolder I would’ve put love at the top of the list. Feeling love for and from others is a necessity for our whole being: body, mind and soul. I’ve come to believe that true freedom must be feeling love for everything. Love is an energy that ripples out and comes back to us. Having loving, connected and nourishing relationships in your life is important for your health. We can give and receive love in so many ways, with our family, friends, pets, nature, creativity, and through our thoughts and intentions. Love is everywhere if we’re looking for it.

So there you have it…

Those are 8 foundations of health that I believe are non-negotiable for each person’s well-being. Get these elements right for yourself and watch how your health and life transform in amazing ways. We can often get lost in all the hoopla of extras and add-ons and forget to do the basic things to keep ourselves healthy. Yet, when we ensure these foundational elements of health are active in our life, we may find there’s no need for all the rest. Start at the foundation of your health.

Pro-Tip: Achieve the pinnacle of efficiency with your wellness: Dance or do yoga barefoot on the earth in the sunlight with a friend, then enjoy lemon water and a salad while breathing and laughing together. You’ll get in almost all your health foundations, and then you’ll sleep so well:-)

Proper:: right, appropriate or correct

Health:: condition of optimal well-being

Foundation:: basis upon which something stands or is supported

Electrolytes:: essential minerals in the body that carry an electric charge, helping to regulate various functions such as muscle contractions, nerve signaling, hydration and maintaining the body's acid-base balance. Common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate and phosphate.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational and expressive purposes only. These are my perspectives and understandings and should not be taken as the ultimate or only truth. This is not medical advice, diagnosis or prescription. Individuals are responsible for their own health. Please only do what is right for you, and consult a medical expert when needed.