‘A healthy lifestyle not only changes your body, it changes your mind, your attitude and your mood.’

What inspires me to live a healthy lifestyle?

My first respons is life. The idea is to die young as late as possible. I want to be like my dad. He turned 78 this fall, and he’s in better shape than most 50-year-olds. ‘It’s the turmeric, Linda’  he said today. Turmeric might well be one of the reasons. It might also help that he’s active, usually eats healthy (meaning he enjoys his cinnamon buns from time to time) and he and mum have a rich social life.

Enough of my dad. Besides life I’ve another reason why I always prioritize health.

Positivity & Joy

Being healthy helps me stay positive. Health is much more than what you’re eating and drinking. Health is also about what you’re thinking and saying. The older I get I’ve become to realise that a healthy mind is as important as a healthy body (if not even more!) The past year I’ve been prioritising mindfulness, yoga and mediation as well as dedicating time to the things I love, like writing, enjoying nature, cooking and just chilling. Having abs is nice and all that, but having a peaceful and content mind is way nicer.

Health is your biggest wealth

Health is usually a choice. Of course you can’t always control if you’ll become serious ill or not. But you can do your best to prevent or reverse some of the most common diseases by quitting smoking, choosing a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

‘If you think the pursuit of good health is expensive and time consuming, try illness.’

– Lee Swanson

 

You don’t have to have a lot of money in order to become healthy. Last time I checked walking was free. You don’t even need an expensive gym card in order to gain muscles – do your workouts at home or in the park. And you know what? You don’t even need to spend all your money on all the fancy superfood products out there. Cook your own food from scratch, eat seasonally and locally. But if I were you I would consider buying turmeric 😉

In the end it’s all about prioritising; And your health & wellbeing should be first on your to-do-list. Because if you neglect taking care of yourself you don’t have the energy to live life to its fullest – doing your job, educating yourself, challenging yourself, taking care of your children and spending time with all your loved ones.

Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle ❤

Linda

‘A relaxed mind is a creative mind.’

This November (what’s left of it) and December you’ll most likely find me sitting on my sofa wrapped in three blankets with a book and a cup of tea. I’ve developed a newfound love for reading (*NERD*). And what better way to spend a cold winter’s evening than with a good book, while snow flakes dancing outside the window.

All of these books are quite different to those I’ve read before, but I think it’s important to be open-minded and to explore new fields. At least then you’ll learn something new.

1. How Not To Die by Michael Greger

This is a very comprehensive book about the foods that scientifically have been proven to prevent and reverse disease. Chapter by chapter Michael Greger explains each of the most common diseases such as heart disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes, and how we can prevent and reverse them by making the right dietary choices.

Besides all the science-based information there are also concrete steps you can take in order to live a long and healthy lifestyle.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who takes his/her health seriously. It’s jam packed with vital information, and after reading this book you’ll have gained a great deal of knowledge.

2. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

This is a spiritual self-help book on how to live a healthier and happier life by living in the present moment. The book is very deep, however, he uses simple language and there’s a question and answer format to show us how to silence our thoughts and create a more fulfilling life.

This is a book you most likely will have to read many times before fully comprehending all of it. I’m actually re-reading it at the moment (parts of it).

If you’re that person who easily gets caught up in thoughts about the past, or worrying about the future, this book is a must read.

3. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Another spiritual book! 😉 Although this one I finished in one day. Despite it’s spiritual content it’s a rather easy read. But it makes you think, and I like that.

Don Miguel Ruiz writes about these four agreements, and how by following these agreements you can change your life, and become filled with more light and love. The agreements he talks about are;

• Be impeccable with your words
• Don’t take anything personally
• Don’t make assumptions
• Always do your best

4. You are a Badass by Jen Sincero

This is a book I’ve already read a couple of times. Maybe three… It’s that kind of book you just open and start reading, and all of a sudden you’ll feel empowered and ready to take on life again. It’s very laid back and the stories she tells is very relatable.

If you need a motivational boost, or a pick-me-up, I highly recommend you to read this book.

5. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

This is a must read for anyone hoping to live a creative life. She shares her unique perspectives about creativity, and how we have to let go of our fears in order to fully embrace creativity. Gilbert’s writing style is very empathic, straightforward yet funny. She makes everything seem so easy and attainable. Another book I most probably will pick up again.

Next on my reading list is the following book. I heard a lot of great things about this one so I’m looking forward to start reading it;

Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D.

Photos:Pinterest

Happy reading ❤

Linda

‘Every action you choose to take will either pull you one step back or take you two steps closer to your dreams. However, you decide.’

I love mornings. The best hours during the day, without a doubt. Nevertheless I’ve set some new goals for myself. Challenges to incorporate into my morning routine. These are small goals that everyone can do, and that are somewhat easy to achieve. I want them to become part of my everyday life, and in order to do so I need to stay consistent. I’m a firm believer in setting small ordinary goals that are both realistic and easy to accomplish. I will try to follow these for the next 30 days.

1. Wake up at 6 am. 

I really wish to to get into this early morning routine again. Preferably I would like to get up at 5.30 am, but for now on 6 am is just fine. I will strive to do this whenever it’s possible, meaning if I work until late in the evening I most likely will not crawl out of bed at 6 o’clock. But when it’s imaginable I will do it. No more pressing that snooze button.

2. Write a gratitude list every morning.

‘Being grateful while striving to improve will allow you to be thankful for all that you already have.’

It’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve; actually it’s necessary in order to grow. However, at the same time appreciating what you have will make you look at things differently, and to stop taking them for granted. I think the impact will be much greater if you write them down instead of just saying them out load. And make it a Sunday evening habit to read through everything you written, reminding yourself of all the wonderful things in your life.

Every morning write down 5 things you are grateful for in life.

+ Every evening write down 5 things you are grateful for having accomplished during the day.

Download my weekly gratitude list and start writing already!

*weekly gratitude list*

3. Hydrate!

I know. Water is essential. It’s good for everything; it clears out your skin, it supports the digestive system, it helps you think more clearly and makes you more alert. But somehow I forget to take a sip of this oh so fundamental drink. Now I literally force myself to drink at least 2 liters a day, preferably 3 liters since I’m such a coffee-addict, and workout rather often. I know how important water is for me; it helps me so much with my stomach problems. So why do I tend to forget about its magic properties? I’ve no idea. Just by drinking enough water for two days I’ve noticed a big difference – I’ve probably been dehydrated the past weeks. Welcome back mental clarity!

Please, drink your water. You might not think it will make a huge difference, but trust me on this, it will. From now on I will start every day with two big glasses of water. First water, then coffee.

4. Read 20 pages in a book.

Reading is something I’ve become to enjoy more and more. I’ve read quite a lot of books these past months. For me it’s definitely a form of meditation. At the moment I also prefer reading books in English since I want to improve my language skills and increase my vocabulary – killing two birds with one stone.

Reading forces you to become more present, and it’s a nice way to calm down before a hectic day. Investing your energy in the present moment is a very wise decision, and to do so early in the morning sets good intentions for the day ahead.

5. Even if you don’t feel like doing it get that s*it done

Do not procrastinate. In order for you to be able to focus on the good stuff get that not so fun stuff out of your way. If you wake up earlier you will have more time to get those annoying stuff checked off your daily to-do-list. Answer the emails, make the phone calls, book the dentist appointment, clean out your computer….

Write it down

You might have totally different challenges, or goals you wish to make part of your everyday routine. However, whatever they might be write them down since it brings more clarity and makes it easier to follow through. Make yourself a 30 day challenge and go from there.

‘psithurism  (noun) = the sound of the wind through trees.’

It was a cold and crisp November’s day when I got the most spontaneous idea to go to Sigtuna, a small and cosy town approx. 2 hours from Stockholm. Or actually, the idea came during my morning meditation. I had this voice inside my head; ‘You have to go to the cosy little town outside Stockholm that your friend keeps talking about all the time.’ I did not remember the name of this cosy, little town though. But thank you Google.

I was very pleased because my friend Emelie had a day off and was happy to join. We strolled around, trying to keep ourselves warm, had lunch at the main hotel in town and enjoyed a beautiful sunset by the water. Nature and stillness – and the brain is intact again.

I received my book in the mailbox today! I have to proof read it first, and then I might order some more copies so I can give to friends and family. Yes, I wrote a short piece this summer/fall… Mostly poetry and words filled with pure passion. It is about Mother Nature, evolving and learning to appreciate the present moment, simply because the now is wow. I had this strong feeling that I had to create something. It is not a master’s piece, it is my work of art. It is far from perfection, but it is a learning process. We all have to start somewhere. The most important thing actually is to start. To dare to start although you are not ready.

‘I’m not a writer, I just love to write. I’m not an inspirer, I just love to inspire. I’m not brave, I just love to inspire people to be brave, cause then at the same time maybe I can inspire myself.’

– Linda