What do you do when your vehicle won’t run, or loses performance? You probably look it over or take it to a mechanic or car specialist who checks all the essential fluids, belts, filters and anything else relating to your car’s ability to run—or run better. What about when it looks dirty or gets dinged up? You probably wash it, vacuum it maybe even wax it. If it’s damaged, you may take it to a body shop to make it look as good as new.
Even in the midst of mechanical errors or dings many vehicles will still perform, but not at full capacity. They also won’t get the maximum mileage if they are not maintained to some degree. Some drive clunkers (affectionately dubbed, when that’s all you’ve got), others drive top-of-the-line models; most drive something somewhere in between. Regardless of what your vehicle looks or sounds like it will usually get you from point A to point B.
Our bodies are much like cars. In order to get peak performance and maximum output (or mileage), we need to do consistent maintenance. Your body will do what you ask it to, but only to the best of its ability based on how you take care of it.
“If you don’t take care of your body, where will you live?”
I will share a few of my favorites things to do to maximize your mileage:
BODY
• Get a spa body scrub treatment. This is like a deep cleansing, buff and polishing for your body.
• Get a deep cleansing facial. Remove surface layers of dull skin and reveal your skin’s natural beauty.
• Get a massage. Restore tense, tired muscles to a more relaxed state. You’ll be able to handle more with greater ease.
• Eat sensibly. Turn your food options into fuel for your body. Consume lean proteins and lots of greens, with minimal or no processed foods or sugar-added items. Eat smaller portions. Stop eating before you are full. Drink a glass of water 10–20 minutes before your meal. Don’t eat right before going to bed.
• Drink water daily. A good rule of thumb is drink half your body weight in ounces of water. Example: if you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 oz of water daily.
• Rest. Get solid sleep. Proper sleep enables optimal performance and clarity of mind when awake.
MIND
• Invest in useful knowledge. Read something of value every day. Educate yourself.
• Don’t indulge in gossip.
• Dismiss negative self-talk. When you’re tempted to think the worst of yourself, replace that thought with something you think a good friend or family member would say about you instead. Write these down and refer to them when you’re feeling low.
• Ask questions. Don’t assume things. Get clarity.
• When you’re hurt or angry—observe and notice. Life is trying to teach you something.
• Eliminate worry. How something ends up never depends on how much you worry about it. When you find yourself worrying, breathe deeply and shift your thinking to be present with what is.
SPIRIT
• Allow yourself to evolve and grow. Eliminate the things that don’t help you do this!
• Create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that just looks good on the outside.
• Learn the art of sitting still and doing nothing. This builds inner calm.
• Be guided by Spirit, not driven by Ego.
• Let your faith be bigger than your fears.
• Be forgiving. Be patient. Be thoughtful.
“To find peace sometimes you have to be willing to lose your connection with people, places and things that create all the noise in your life.”
