The correct way of life and our environment: how to build a healthy community

In one of successive studies have shown that people who live in societies in which a healthy lifestyle is the norm, tend to live longer and in old age include healthy and positive. One such example is a small Greek island of Icarus, whose inhabitants lead an active lifestyle, a lot of talking and walking, every day work physically asleep after dinner, their diet consists mainly of fruits and vegetables, small amounts of seafood, goat cheese and a glass of red wine dinner. They live without stress in harmony with themselves and the society. I understand that to build something like that in this world with you is almost impossible. Sleep in the afternoon and no stress - it is a luxury for the inhabitants of modern cities. We can either move to live on the island or begin to change themselves and their environment for the better.

Leo Babauta gives some advice based on personal experience. He turned. Then why not work with us?

Leo offers to adopt the 8 basic principles that will help to begin building a healthy community will continue to support him.

1. Daily communication. Of himself can not build a community. Do not forget not only about the virtual, but also about real communication and role models. It's one thing to read on social networks, and see photos from the marathon, and quite another - to personally hear the story of a man who took part in all of this. Believe me, the effect is many times stronger.
2. Walking and exercise. Walking at lunchtime. Better yet, walk in like-minded company. We're spending too much time sitting on the fifth point.
3. Vegetables, fruits, and the predominance of plant foods. Nothing wrong with eating meat is not. It is bad when this use goes beyond all permissible limits and diluted semi-finished meat or sausage products in large quantities.
4. Portion control. If you want to lose weight, you need not only to control what you eat, but also keep an eye on portion sizes. The gradual reduction will only benefit. Better Fewer, but more often.
5. Sadovnichestvo. The majority of this possibility turns into a duty, when twice a year, you need to go to the grandmother-mother-aunt on a "hacienda" plant or collect potatoes. Therefore, I propose to start with houseplants.
6. Wine. Wine in small quantities after dinner is quite acceptable. Just remember about portion control.
7. Tea. Tea - is not only tasty and healthy. It is also a kind of ritual like to be alone with yourself and your thoughts, and for friendly get-togethers.
8. Purpose. We all should be the goal for which we wake up every morning and get up from the bed. And for that, most people need to feel that they are doing something meaningful.

How to start building a healthy community in the modern world?

Friends and Family

It is difficult to switch to a healthy lifestyle without the support of friends and family. If none of your inner circle has not started an active and healthy lifestyle, it's time to start talking with them. And it does not mean that need to get to start all at once and begin an aggressive campaign. This behavior is likely to alienate more. Among them are those who have already started their own health, or those close to it already. And, of course, the best example - it's a personal example. Select to start a simple healthy habit (eg, walking) and gradually add it to the life of your small community. Gradually, your community will begin to develop and expand.

find like-minded people

Difficult to start something new one. The case will proceed much more quickly if you have like-minded people. If among your immediate environment is no volunteers, it's time to look for new friends who share your views. It can be on-line community (for running, cycling tour, hiking, etc.) or you can take a subscription to the sports club or enroll in group lessons. And when you will have new friends and old, but the lazy, it will be easier to drag on the bright side.

On-line Community

Online users there are many communities that are happy to accept new members. This can be not only a running club, but also a healthy diet community. Find a company sports - no problem. But to find someone who is happy to give up favorite steaks on weekends, much more difficult.

Change your environment

If you have seriously decided to take care of your health and lifestyle in general, then you have to change not only themselves but also their surroundings. Try to find as many new friends as possible. who share your views. Attend exhibitions and seminars, participate in amateur competitions and championships. Gather together on weekends and arrange culinary gatherings. And if you catch up with your friends and relatives.

I can say that it really works. Just over a year ago looking at Degtyareva Vova, I did not once think about how to start running. And then I came across an article on Zenhabits «Runner captivity" and I decided to try. An example was contagious. And my trips to the gym and not in vain, as the habit of eating more or less healthy food. And if you observe the positive changes in yourself pleased then to understand what people around you are infected with the virus, and also begin to change - twice as nice. We all learn from each other and support the exciting new initiatives for friends and family. And if we get to build their own at least a small healthy community around the world will begin to change for the better. Because not only does society affect us, but we are changing society.