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What we do and how we choose to live and think probably has more influence on our overall health than the health services provide for us. Here are some pointers.
Exercise
Regular exercise is vital for long-term physical and mental health. Each of us needs to decide what exercise best suits, whether going to the gym, taking part in a sport, walking, or cycling or swimming.
What we eat
The general rule is to eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain starch and fibre. We should avoid too much fat, particularly from animals, and too many sweet things. In general fresh food is much better than highly processed food.
What we think
What we think affects who we are and the choices that we make. Most of us have suffered things in the past which have caused us grief or hurt or which have made us angry. An important key to healthy living is to be able to resolve the pain of the past by accepting ourselves for who we are and by forgiving others.
Maintaining healthy relationships
We all live with relationships, whether with partner, family, friends, neighbours or work colleagues. These give us joy, but can also cause us pain. Principles for making relationships healthy are to learn to listen and to communicate with openness and honesty, all the time seeking what is right and just. It is also important to get involved in caring for others.
Recognising our spirituality
Saint Augustine once said: “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God.” We have found that peace and wholeness come when our relationship with God our Creator is restored through Jesus.
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