10 healthy tips for living and working in a city environment

Anyone who works in London or any other bustling city knows how difficult it can be to balance a healthy lifestyle with the demands of city life. Here are 10 simple tips that are quick and affordable to help make your life healthier and more relaxed:

1. Gentle waking: waking up in the morning can be the most important part of your day. Before you get out of bed, take a couple of minutes to go over your day to come and visualize it as happy and stress free. As you do this slowly stretch your arms and legs to softly awaken the body. Gently rub your ears to stimulate the acupuncture points in that area and take a few deep, cleansing breaths to prepare yourself for your day. And don't forget to smile! Smiling releases 'feel good' hormones and helps you start your day right.

2. Cleansing: Start your day with a large glass of warm water and the juice of half a lemon. This will gently detoxify your body and stimulate a healthy bowel movement before you leave your home.

3. Breakfast energy boost: The old saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is indeed true! Skipping breakfast can lead to poor digestion, metabolism imbalance and weight gain. A healthy breakfast of organic porridge or muesli with natural yogurt, fruit and mixed seeds and nuts is an ideal combination to keep you going throughout the morning.

4. Commuting bliss: Most Londoners commute to work either by tube or bus. This is precious time and shouldn't be wasted! Why not use your commute to practice a daily meditation or breathing exercise that will help prepare you for your day, keep you calm, and reduce your blood pressure.

5. Keep moving: If you don't have much time to exercise before or after work, try to include it during your day. Walk or use a bicycle whenever possible, use the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator and periodically get up and walk around for a couple of minutes while at work. Make sure you get plenty of exercise and fresh air on the weekends if your weekdays don't allow for much.

6. Keep yourself watered: Water is vital for health and proper brain function! Try keeping a large bottle of water with you at your desk so that you can keep track of how much you are drinking. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, more in the summer and if you are exercising often.

7. Pick me ups: Instead of reaching for that cup of coffee mid afternoon, why not try a more natural alternative such as green or white tea that has the added benefits of anti-ageing antioxidants. If you have been under stress or fatigued for an extended period of time, your adrenal glands are likely to be weak and you may benefit from licorice tea or ginseng root for an energy boost (take caution with licorice tea if you are prone to hypertension). If you're finding it difficult to concentrate, you could try Gingko tea.

8. Healthy snacking: Reaching for that packet of crisps or chocolate bar may taste good in the moment but it will play havoc with your energy levels. If you need a snack try fresh fruit, organic cereal bars or mixed organic nuts and seeds with dried fruit. Remember that for healthy digestion, you must eat slowly and avoid reading or working on a computer as you eat.

9. Getting home: It's important to have a separation from work and home life. Make sure that you have some quality time in the evening to relax, soak in the tub, spend time with family or friends and enjoy a wholesome and nutritious supper.

10. Bedtime: If you find it difficult to unwind in the evening why not try a natural soothing tea of chamomile, passionflower and hibiscus. This tea can be drunk in the evening or at bedtime to soothe the nerves and quiet the mind. If possible, avoid alcohol during the week, as it will make you sluggish and tired in the morning and less focused at work.

About the Author: Dr Auromira Parks BA (Hons), ND, MRN, BTAA Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Bowen Therapist Supervisor in Naturopathy, University of Westminster, London, England. http://www.auromira.co.uk Member of http://www.WomenWorking4Women.co.uk

Source: www.isnare.com