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Water, Way Beyond Nutrition!
Water is a nutrient, and it is one of the most important nutrients to us. We can live longer without food than water. Our bodies are over 70% water, and the earth's surface is over 70% water as well! Studies show that if we stop for a few moments and visualize a body of water whether a calm lake, waterfall, or a sea of blue, we might just lower our blood pressure and relieve a stressful moment. Other studies report that swimming can significantly help reduce stress and depression, so while summer is winding down, there's time left to take a dip (indoor pools work just fine too)!
Water has been used as a healing tool since the days of the Roman Baths. Spas are more popular than ever, hot tubs, whirlpools, and even steam baths. In fact, taking a steam bath can help our body get rid of toxins through perspiration. Have you ever heard of the sleeping pill called a warm bath? Water can also offer a form of resistance training for those of us working through a physical injury. It can soothe achy muscles, and as reported by the director of research at the " Harvard Mind/body Medical Institute", relaxation in a warm bath can provide stress relief effects similar to meditation and massage (Psychology Today,10/01).
Stress management is important to our health because we can't eliminate all stress, but perhaps we can find ways of reducing it. I think water can be part of an important stress management tool, whether we take a long shower (my favorite easy way), sit in a tub or whirlpool/jacuzzi; sit at a lake, river or ocean, or even perhaps look or imagine a favorite photo of someone we love at the beach with the blue waters in the background.
Can you think of a way to use water to relax?
Here's to our health!
June
www.junefit.com
Caution: For anyone with high blood pressure or any medical condition (including pregnancy), please seek the advice of your doctor before sitting in a hot tub, or steam room.
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