What is the meaning of being healthy?

Written by: Melanie Talastas-Soriano BA-Kin, CAT(C), ISSA-CPT
Athletic Therapist, Personal Trainer

What is health? What does it mean when you’re being healthy? The dictionary defined health as, “the state of being free from illness or injury” and/or “a person’s mental or physical condition.”
We are now in a new world of facebook, instagram, twitter and other social media platform that we are bombarded by new diet and exercise programs that we forget one important aspect of health. Being healthy in the eyes of the general public seems to be just the physical aspect like, losing the weight. Let’s not forget the big elephant in the room or should I say the black dog.

Mental health is as important if not much more important to work on as well. It is often neglected because of the mere fact that it cannot be seen. As an athletic therapist, helping people get better with their injuries, the education and encouragement comes with the job. I know that if my clients believe that they will get better by performing combinations of rehab/home programs that they will see that the result will be on their favor.

In addition, as I continue to study the benefit of yoga that includes meditation, which I started to practice with my own daily routine, both of these activities enhance and improve physical and mental health. There is nothing to be afraid of the word “meditation” because a simple as deep breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes is enough to quiet the mind and get re-energized. Short walk can also be a form of meditation, enjoying the outdoors for example. Even sitting on a chair for 3 minutes of connecting your breathing with your mind is a proven fact to help with mental clarity.

BENEFITS OF YOGA
For the body:
• Increase core strength
• Increase flexibility
• Improve circulation
• Pain and tension release
• Improve Posture
• Weight management
• Improve digestion
• Lowers blood pressure

For the mind:
• Increase self-acceptance
• Improve concentration
• Focus on the present
• Increase confidence
• Neutralize stress
• Improve memory
• Increase mental awareness
• Unlock energy flow


I always tell my clients to be open to new ideas of fitness and what it offers because the benefits are endless. Finding something you enjoy is the first step to improving your health and well-being. It doesn’t matter where you start, as long as you are starting somewhere. Simple as walking outdoors to get fresh air is a 100% amazing for you physically and mentally.

The one thing I want you to take from this is to help yourself feel good before we help others especially our children. They will follow what we introduce them to, so the sooner we adapt new ways of improving our health, the better it will be to encourage them in the future.
Outdoor meditation is so much fun. Enjoy the outdoors when you can before it gets really cold. You don’t need to sit on the ground or grass. Sitting on park bench will be good enough or short walks.

YOU CAN DO THIS!