What is wellbeing?

In a world where we have endless options, what choices will make us happier? Studies of happiness show that the following things all enhance our wellbeing:

    * a good marriage
    * the company of friends
    * rewarding work
    * sufficient money
    * a good diet and physical activity
    * sound sleep
    * engaging leisure and
    * religious or spiritual belief and practice.

Optimism, trust, self-respect and autonomy also make us happier. Gratitude and kindness lift our spirits. Having clear goals to work towards, a ‘sense of place’ and belonging, a coherent and positive view of the world, and a belief that we are part of something bigger than ourselves also foster wellbeing.

These ingredients of a happy life are not just a matter of personal choice as so many aspects of our every day living can impact our wellness.

Many people think that wealth is the answer to happiness but as we have heard many times of people who have won the lottery and then still find themselves un happy and then lose all the money straight away by carelessness and being taken for ride by others shows us that theres more to happiness and all of the above is so much more important to have so there is a balance in our lives.

Of course money is good but over and over again the people who enjoy it tend to have a balance of some or all of the above. Here at HMB Health we promote all of the above and more...

1. If you have trouble falling asleep, a hot bath with a little bit of lavender scented bubble bath or body wash right before bed does wonders to calm your mind and relax tense muscles.
2. With that mile-long "to-do" list, sometimes it's hard to fit in exercise. Why not put on your favorite up-beat tunes while mopping, sweeping, or vacuuming? Using the mop, broom, or vacuum for a dance partner will get you moving and let you have a little fun while crossing off those chores.
3. Do you have an "ICE" number in your phone? The acronym "ICE" stands for In Case of Emergency and, should anything happen to you, could assist those trying to help you in contacting a loved one. Just enter "ICE-Mom", "ICE-Tim" etc. as the contact name in your cell phone and their phone number.
4. Approximately two thirds (67%) of American adults are overweight or obese. (being overweight is defined as having a BMI of between 25 and 30, and being obese is defined as having a BMI of over 30)
5. Looking for another quick and easy exercise for the car or while you're waiting in line? Pull your shoulders back so that you're bringing your shoulder blades together. This will strengthen your back and stretch out the muscles in your chest. It also encourages correct posture.
6. During times of stress the body produces more cortisol, a hormone that allows the body to store fat, increases blood pressure, and can even weaken the immune system.
7. Getting adequate sleep can do wonders for your health, both mentally and physically. It is not only the number of hours, but the quality of sleep that is important. Considering how much time you spend on your mattress, don't you think a good one would be worth the investment?
8. Use heat when treating sore muscles to help relax and loosen the muscle. Use ice when treating injuries such as sprains to help reduce inflammation.
9. For serious injuries such as strains and sprains remember the acronym R.I.C.E.; it stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
10. People who focus on being healthy often have greater long term success with weight loss than those who focus on losing weight.
11. When you laugh your muscles relax, stress hormone product is reduced, your immune system is improved, high blood pressure is lowered, and the heart and lungs are strengthened; no wonder they say laughter is the best medicine!
12. Studies have shown that those who act old end up feeling old, and can actually develop health problems before their time.
13. High cholesterol leads to hardening of the arteries, which can cause heart disease or even a heart attack. Have you doctor check your cholesterol, and if need be, for ways to reduce it.
14. Some prescription medications could have a negative effect when mixed with exercise. If you are taking medication, consult with a physician before starting an exercise routine.
15. To strengthen your forehand for raquet sports, lay out a single newspaper on a flat surface. Start at one corner and crumple it into a ball for 30 seconds.
16. If you've injured your left leg, don't stop working out your right leg. Exercising even one body part stimulates the nerve fibres in the opposite limb, and helps recover an injury 10% faster.
17. If you normally take a pain killer after working out, you might want to stop. They generally are ineffective in helping sore muscles post-workout, and are known to suppress muscle growth.
18. You can improve your golf skills without evening picking up a club - throw a golf ball at a specific target on the carpet. This alone will help you judge your speed and alignment.
19. At the top of your movement in a crunch, exhale forcefully to make your abs work harder.
20. A 30 minute make out session can improve allergy symptoms.
21. Wash your sheets in water that's at least 140 F to kill dust mites, and prevent eczema and irritations to sensitive skin.
22. Getting plenty of calcium and Vitamin D daily can decrease your stress levels by 20%.
23. Get an annual skin check on your scalp to reduce the risk of melanomas. These unseen moles can double your risk of death.
24. Something as simple as eating 2 ounces of yogurt a day (an individual container typically has 6 ounces) can protect you from gum disease.
25. Over 200 species of bacteria are in and amongst the dust at your desk - wipe it down daily with lysol or another disinfectant to prevent sore throats and colds.
26. Shoulder shrugs & other exercises using your trapezoids can reduce chronic neck pain by 80%.
27. A diet rich in Vitamin C can reduce the risk of wrinkles & drying skin.