“He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.” –Proverb

We all go through phases when we feel hopeless. When everything gets overwhelming. Your bills, your responsibilities, your relationships, the dreams you put on hold—sometimes it all seems like too much.

In those moments the last thing you want to hear is that you’re lucky you can still walk or use all your senses. Those are things we all take for granted. Things that just are.

Except none of them are a given. The legs that allow you to practice yoga may one day be strained, sprained, broken, or even paralyzed. The hands and wrists that allow you to write may one day have carpel tunnel. The body that never seems strong or lean enough may one day be incapacitated in ways you can’t even fathom.

If you have your health, you have the freedom to change a lot of the things that dissatisfy you in life. You just have to take responsibility for doing it.

If you have the physical and mental capacity, odds are your biggest restrictions are your own limiting thoughts about what’s possible for you.

Hope is the belief that tomorrow could be better. Wisdom is realizing you have to make it better yourself. How can you use your capabilities to create new possibilities for today and tomorrow?

“Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend.” -Lao Tzu

Sometimes all you need to smile is a reminder that it doesn’t require that much.

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” -Sydney J. Harris

You can only push yourself so hard before you have no choice but to disconnect and recharge. Why wait until you reach the point of exhaustion to cut yourself some slack?

What needs to be done will get done. It always does. Instead of pushing through it–wearing yourself down through a combination of fear, guilt, and obligation–give yourself permission to step away, even if just for a short while.

Just like a 20-minute nap can have a profound effect on your energy, a short walk or period of deep breathing can help you feel far more at ease through the rest of your day.

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”  -Irish Proverb

Sometimes we get so serious about chasing things we suspect will lead to happiness that we exhaust ourselves in the process. Those things are inconsequential if we can’t enjoy them because we haven’t taken care of ourselves.

All the success and abundance in the world mean nothing if you’re physically, emotionally or spiritually depleted.

Take care of your mind, heart, and soul. Laugh, love, eat, move, rest, and open up to joy. Nurture yourself and you may be surprised how the world around you does the same.

Photo here

If you missed it, check out yesterday’s post: 9 Ways to Get Better Sleep and Prevent Exhaustion.

“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” -William Londen

Be. Breathe. Engage. Risk. Smile. Appreciate. Enjoy. Ask. Listen. Answer. Love.

Just a simple reminder to take care of yourself today.

“Cheerfulness is the best promoter of health.” -Proverb

Studies have actually proven that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter relieves physical tension and mental stress; increases immune cells; improves your mood by releasing endorphins; and even prevents heart attacks by improving the function of blood vessels and increasing blood flow.

If you need a little help smiling today, you may find some helpful ideas in today’s post: 8 Ways to Increase Your Joy Factor or in one of these older posts:

• 11 Ways to Laugh it Off
• 40 Little Things That Make a Big Difference in Your Day

“Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” -Buddha

As you likely already know, regular exercise and proper nutrition have positive effects on both your body and your mind.

Despite conflicting information on what you should and shouldn’t eat, and what you should and shouldn’t do for activity, it all comes down to two simple principles: move at least a little every day, and eat a balanced diet of wholesome, nutritious foods.

Not sure what changes to make? Try one of these simple ideas to treat your body better today:

• Grab a pedometer and work toward the 10,000 step challenge.
• If walking isn’t your cup of tea, do something else active for at least 20 minutes. Dance, work in your garden, play tag with your kids.
• Do something meditative, whether it’s practicing yoga, working on a hobby, or reading.
• Eat foods in a variety of colors to ensure you’re receiving an adequate supply of the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need.
• Eat small meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar steady.
• Trade a caffeinated beverage for water—ideally more than one.
• Trade a processed food for something natural (unprocessed)—ideally more than one.
• Trade a food with unhealthy fat, like fast food or chips, for something with healthy fat, like fish or nuts (a handful).
• Eat a different protein source than you did yesterday. Variety is good for your body.
• Get at least 7 hours of sleep tonight.

This is by no means an exhaustive resource for optimal health. It’s just a selection of simple ideas that add up to make a big difference. Have anything to add?