What is suboptimal health? Simply put, it means that you clearly feel discomfort in your body, but no specific disease can be diagnosed. It is a state between illness and health. For example, if you are often sluggish, lack vitality, exhausted, restless, anxious, forgetful, or have trouble falling asleep, these may be signs of suboptimal health.
When your body shows such signs, what can be done to get out of this grey area of suboptimal health?
(A) Be mindful of what you eat
Obesity, gastrointestinal discomfort, etc., can easily lead to suboptimal health. Therefore, adjusting to a balanced diet is very important. Healthy eating includes:
- Eat three meals at regular times every day. Avoid skipping meals.
- Avoid being a picky eater. Don’t eat only the food you like thereby avoiding other foods. Do not overeat. No binge eating.
- Eat a diversified diet. Using less salt, oil, and sugar is beneficial for gastrointestinal, digestion, and cardiovascular systems. This is the first step in avoiding suboptimal health.
(B) Schedule work and rest times
Balanced work and rest are the foundation of good health while chaotic routines can lead to suboptimal health. Working overtime or binge-watching TV can lead to excessive fatigue. These behaviors disrupt the body’s balanced work-rest activity and can manifest health risks.
Therefore, it is necessary to:
• Arrange reasonable work and entertainment times.
• Ensure that you have adequate sleep.
• Keep work and rest in balance.
• Go to bed before 11:00 p.m.
Listen to the ancestors’ wise advice: “Start work at sunrise and rest when the sun sets.” This is the path to great health.
(C) Good exercise routine
These days, people generally suffer from a lack of exercise. Office workers and students spend long hours on computers and mobile devices in air-conditioned and noisy rooms which can weaken the immune system. If you spend time every day doing some form of exercise such as jogging, walking, hiking, or cycling, you can improve your physical fitness. In doing so, your immune system will be healthier and you can keep suboptimal health at bay.
Another recommended exercise is Energy Bagua which can quickly replenish vital energy. This popular worldwide workout is easy to learn and highly effective in building physical fitness and health. It is not restricted by time, place, or weather. It only requires a tree and the soothing practice music, and can be practiced indoors or outdoors. Practice one hour daily to quickly replenish energy and strengthen the body.
(D) Peace in your heart
Maintaining a peaceful state of mind is particularly important for health. However, a peaceful mind requires several aspects to be in balance. These include the ability to resist stress, good social and interpersonal skills, a positive attitude towards life and emotional stability.
In order to maintain a peaceful mind, you may consider giving yourself a vacation when time permits. Give yourself time to do things that make you joyful such as reading, listening to music, making a delicious meal, or watching a movie. This prevents suboptimal health from taking root.
If you want your mind and body to be pure and peaceful, try the ancient method of meditation. The energy of meditation can purify both mind and body.
At Bodhi Meditation, there are dynamic and static meditation methods. Prostration and The Meditation of Greater Illumination are the dynamic practices. The Meditation of Purity and The Meditation of Bone Melting are two of the static practices. Both methods of meditation can help you achieve a calm and serene body and mind.
They can be practiced in the early morning, during lunch break, or before bed. As long as you persevere, you will find major changes such as:
• being more energetic
• ability to think with clarity
• a new perspective
• becoming attractive, friendly and approachable
• calmer, emotionally more stable, and no longer anxious when dealing with stress and challenges.
Meditation can also greatly increase your sense of happiness and peacefulness which will make you healthier and happier.
Conclusion:
Illness does not happen overnight. Similarly, it takes time to achieve good health. Suboptimal health is by no means a small issue. Taking it seriously means being responsible for your own health. From today on, change your unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle habits. Adjust your state of mind and body. Keep suboptimal health at bay and stride forward to a healthy and happy life!
