Dare to Be Different?

How much do you think you are influenced by others when you are making choices about your health, wellbeing and lifestyle?

I believe we are profoundly influenced not only by the people around us; friends, family, peers and workmates, but by publicity too.

For instance, say if you have decided to become vegetarian or give up alcohol and you go out for a meal, how difficult is it for you to maintain your ground when everyone else around you is making the choices you decided to opt out of - it’s not easy, is it!

The power of other people’s expressions will undoubtedly have an effect upon you until you acclimatise or become immune to their opposite perspective. This is one of the biggest challenges many people face when they decide to make a change; to deal with other people’s reactions.

Sometimes we don’t even realise the behaviours we have are making us ill, creating disharmony in our lives or that they are being perpetuated by those who are closest to us. For example: Kath, who attended one of my Retreats in Spain, came to an astonishing realisation about herself after having some time out to reflect. One of the main aspects of the retreat is to sit and enjoy delicious food in a wonderful environment in a relaxed and sociable way. As a working mother she enjoys bringing up her family but felt very rushed all the time. She would make the family meals but rush through them, getting the family to eat quickly so she could get on with the next task. She also looked for quick meals, often making unhealthy food choices in order to get on. This not only brings disharmony but sets up unhealthy habits and behaviours. She realised that by simply making mealtimes relaxed and harmonious she would be creating a more healthy environment, giving the body time to relax and digest food. Getting the family involved in the cooking and helping out would also make things easier for her.

Whatever lifestyle you live, be it a student, bringing up a family, single, sporty or downright hectic, engendering good habits and maintaining them is a constant process. Its easy on occasions to cut corners but there’s a danger that this becomes constant.

I think it takes a lot of courage to keep to a healthy lifestyle or keep to healthy options when surrounded by people or an environment where this is not the norm. So don’t be afraid to go it alone – be different! You may even inspire others to change for the better.

Join Rumana on her next Yoga, Walking and Health Retreat in Spain June 21st-28th more details please visit the website or call 0845 680 1418.

Rumana Zahn is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist and runs clinics in Newcastle (within a GPs practice), Darlington and Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa. She is a leader within the field of Natural Medicine, writes and speaks extensively on the subject. She can be contacted on 01325 722803 or www.rumanahealth.com

Rumana is a member of the British Register of Complementary Practitioners.

 

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