Daily Check List for a better life:

Daily Check List for a Better Life:
How I overcome Depression, Anxiety, Sadness, Frustration, Fear, Insecurity and a Bad Attitude.
Greetings! Life is hard-- really hard-- for everyone. And then every once in a while we get hit with something so bad we think we'll never survive it.
Probably my worst nightmare was a number of years ago when one of my sons was killed in a car crash. At one point I was so low that they put me on medication. That lasted one day. I got worse.
I learned that answers & solutions to life's big hits are not in a pill. Medication never gets to the source of the pain.
My solution has served me well for over 30 years now. It's based on my personal experience & has nothing to do with anyone's scientific studies or theories.
As I had to do, you must own your stuff. And conquer it yourself. I know it will work because if I can do it- so can you.
 
Daily Check List for a Better Life:
Make your bed-
Accomplish the 1st task of the day. If you can't get the little things right, you'll never get the big ones right. I got this from a US Navy SEALs Admiral.  
 
Read one chapter from the Book of Psalms Out Loud-
Please skip this one if you're not a believer. It not about religion, really. We all need to hear the Wisdom of the Ages. I can't tell you how mad at God I was after my son died.
 
Read one section of the New Testament Out Loud-
Please skip this one if you're not a believer. Getting insight into what Jesus was all about will at least help you understand your crazed Christian friends. And he was called the Prince of Peace & Peace is something we all need.
 
Breathe-
Deep, intentional, focused breathing rejuvenates every cell in your being. I like Wim Hof's method. It's quick & effective. 30 quick deep breaths without a full exhale. Empty yourself of air & stay empty as long as you can. Inhale one big breath & hold as long as you can. Repeat the entire cycle 2 more times.
 
Cold water rinse off-
This is my wimpy version of all the ice bath & cryogenics that is popular. At the end of a nice hot shower, turn the pressure down low and turn the temp down to cold. Let the water run over you (I have it aimed at my chest) for 15 seconds, build up to 1 minute. You will have an awesome glow for at least an hour afterward. I hate being cold. The effects of this are just the opposite. The process is counter-intuitive but very effective.
 
Read one chapter of a real book-
Get something that will Inspire or Motivate or Instruct you. Hold it in your hands. Don't rush through it. Pause and think about things. Underline what jumps out at you. Even if you only read 1 sentence that is profound, it can brighten your entire day.
 
Affirm positive things-
On a small piece of paper write down your goals. Also, write down the answer to the question 'Who are you?' Carry that piece of paper with you- everywhere. Whenever your thinking gets dark or you feel defeated, read what is on the paper. Use it as often as needed. Don't leave home without it.
 
Love on people instead of judging them-
This might the hardest thing on the list. Fight to get it right as often as you can.
 
Get the blood pumping at least 3 times a day-
Use a SandDune Stepper for 5-7 minutes 3 times a day. Not only does it get your blood pumping to all your joints & work against the negative effects of sitting for long periods, it lifts your mood. As an alternative there are other movements one can do without a Dune such as our Spinal Hygiene series or upper and lower body neurologic In-Balance protocols.
 
Eat smart-
Don't be a victim of processed foods or familial eating habits. The foods you eat can either add to your health & sense of well being or take away from it. A body that has to work overtime to digest is a stressed out body. Eat to nourish, repair and energize. Don't let old habits ruin your health and add to life's regular problems. If you think you know how to eat but are in terrible shape or have to be on medications then 'you really don't have a clue'.
Humble yourself. It's okay to need help. Seek out someone who exudes health & wellness not some 'expert' who does not look like they are taking their own advice. An older person would be a better choice here since the cumulative effect of what they believe will be visible. Be open to wisdom in this area.  
 
Drink smarter-
Keep it pure. No sugar, no artificial sweeteners or flavorings or colorings. Be aware of how one becomes dehydrated. Dehydration makes the body feel stiff, de-energized and sluggish.
It's easy to stay hydrated.
My personal pet peeve- folks who walk around with a huge jug of water. Drink when you are thirsty. Too much water flushes out valuable minerals.
We all know the saying 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. Actually an apple a day (or 2 of if you drink dehydrating beverages) is a much more efficient and healthful way to stay hydrated.
 
Put something positive in your head just before you shut the light out at night-
This is critical since your subconscious mind never sleeps. It keeps working. Giving it something positive & uplifting to work on through the night will yield a higher quality sleep.
Maybe it's that book you are reading or a quote from a favorite author or a prayer or a poem.
Try it out. Watch a scary movie followed by the day's news and go to sleep one night then see how you feel in the morning. The next night try my suggestion.
Don't leave this off your checklist.
 
Please note that this is a serious list. I am not trivializing serious mental conditions. It has been my experience that in all medical matters a holistic approach always yields better results.
 
Everything in the human body is connected. Unless it is blunt force trauma, I have found that where you feel hurt is not the origin or source of your pain.
 
Following this Daily Check List will help you to better 'own your health'. You will be empowered, strengthened and girded up. You will not get sick as often and if you do get sick or injured, you will recover faster.
 
Once you have taken command of yourself then you can enjoy true happiness. For to have true happiness we must be strong enough to reach beyond ourselves. It's been posted on each refrigerator I've had for the last 35 years- The Secret of Happiness? Find a Hurt & Heal It.
 
Get outside yourself and really live.
 
As my old friend David DeNotaris always says- Make It a Great Day!....

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