How Famous World Leaders Can Improve Your Well-Being
When I am seeking a clear mind away from the day-to-day stresses, I turn to nature and a good book. More specifically, I go in search of a quote that sets fire to my thoughts allowing my mind to wander and my heart to be inspired. Often, I think about how these quotes can apply to improving one’s well-being. Understanding that our definitions of well-being can vary, I consider it to be broadly defined as a state of health and balance of the mind, body and soul where one is at peace. It is important to know that mental well-being is different than physical or even financial well-being. Thus, the well-being I believe we all seek is a quality of life that is balanced in every aspect. Some of the most quoted world leaders in philosophy, religion, politics and more have a lot to say about well-being. To name a few: Aristotle, Confucius, Socrates, the Dalai Lama, Mahatma Ghandi, Mother Theresa, Plato, Buddha, and Hippocrates. Many of these leaders have since passed, and so, I sit in reflection pondering what some of these quotes mean to OUR well-being in modern society. Despite believing that everything is up for personal interpretation, I have chosen to describe what some of my favorite motivational well-being quotes mean to me.
“Let food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food.” Hippocrates
As one of the most famous nutrition related quotes, I consider this to be a staple to my well-being. I often help my participants set Healthy Eating goals that can improve one’s life by limiting or ridding of unnecessary pharmaceuticals. By choosing Hippocrates' method of opting for nutrient dense, whole foods, one can take back the power of her health by what she chooses to put in her body!
“ A life not lived for others, is not a life.” Mother Teresa
Meaning and Purpose is a critical component of health and wellness, so this quote speaks volumes. What it means to me is that one must discover what makes her get up every morning and do what she does. Though Mother Teresa obviously states that in this case it is a person(s), I consider that what gives us purpose can be a much more than that. No matter if one’s meaning can be defined by a person, place or thing, her life will be full of hope and zest.
“A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” Mahatma Gandhi
Stress is among the most common complaints I see. Whether it stems from work or home, the feeling of the weight of the world on one’s shoulders can alter her thoughts. Thus learning new stress management skills to cope and progress beyond the stress can help quiet our brains and improve our sense of well-being. Gandhi himself, is a great example.
“Moderation in all things, including moderation.” Socrates
When I read this, I think of a teeter-totter. Socrates wisely advises by saying that it is best not to have or do too much or too little of anything. From this I gather that we seek an equilibrium individually, such as work/life balance. As many of us already know, having a balance of the things we do daily can impact our health and well-being.
“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise saves and preserves it.” Plato
Well Plato leaves little to question here. Regular physical activity has earned its critical denotation to one’s health. Science continues to reveal the importance of movement in relation to physical, mental and even emotional health. So move as much as you can in various ways so not to become too still!
“Sleep is the best meditation.” Dalai Lama
Like the Dalai Lama, I agree that sleep heals the body, mind and soul much like meditation can. Meditation allows the entire being to be restored and rejuvenated so that health resides where it should. Proper rest can decrease many health problems thus increasing one’s overall well-being.The key takeaway here is that your well-being is multifaceted and that’s what we at Wellview Health understand! I hope this inspires you to find a few motivational quotes of your own!
– CASEY EDMONDS, CHC
