I was fortunate to attend the Northwest Naturopathic Physicians Conference in Vancouver last weekend and the opening speaker was Dr. Jared Zeff, ND. We live in a time where a constant stream of information is always coming and it can be easy to forget the basics. I pride myself on keeping up with current research and make sure that my treatment plans are built on a foundation of modern evidence but this talk was a good reminder that it’s important to take a step back and look at the big picture. It’s not always about supplements, herbs, therapeutic diets, and IV’s. Sometimes, it’s about making sure that all of our needs are being met. If these aren’t being addressed then there will always be a barrier to healing.
Inspired by the words of Dr. Jared Zeff (and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs) here is the key to lifelong wellness…
FOOD
Eat real food. Period.
WATER
Drink plain, clean water every day!
BREATHE
You need to breathe fresh air. This means get out of the office, away from the TV, and fill your lungs!
SLEEP
Get solid sleep. This is the time for your body to heal and rejuvenate.
MOVE
Exercising every day improves mood, sleep, and physical health. Just do it.
NATURE
It’s time to reconnect with nature. ‘Forest Bathing’ is a real thing with real benefits. Spend some time with the trees and elevate your mood and immune system!
PURPOSE
A sense of purpose keeps us excited, motivated, and driven in life. Discover your passion.
LOVE
Be open to love. This also means loving yourself for exactly who you are.
SPIRIT
Connect to your spiritual side (and I’m not talking about religion). A spiritual practice can bring peace, strength, balance, and resilience.
