EATING RIGHT

Dr. Dan Corbett, owner of Corbett Chiropractic of Northfield, believes that proper nutrition, exercise and thinking are all equally important to living an optimal wellness lifestyle. But it is the effectiveness of the mind that is sometimes overlooked when aiming for good health.

“The power of our mind is very important to our overall health as it controls our entire body,” says Corbett.

Corbett explains that key concepts in thinking well begins with one’s innate values — a compass, of sorts, with which humans are born — including the basic human values of love, forgiveness, optimism and the desire to learn.

Next, belief systems like religion, worldly view, philosophy or ideology are learned from parents, teachers or preachers. These beliefs make up a map, one that is changeable.

From there, self-talk brings on emotions and behaviors. Think positively, and positive and healthy behaviors are set in place, while negative self-talk brings on unhealthy behaviors and emotions, and consequently illness.

Finally, everyone needs a life purpose, or personal mission statement, says Corbett.

“Have a life purpose that is congruent with innate values can only be achieved if your life purpose is centered on the concept of unconditional love of self and others. Ultimately, this means your life purpose must enrich your life and the lives of others.”

To truly change, says Corbett, one needs to go beyond changing emotions or behaviors and get to the core through changing your belief system.

Take a person who wants to quit smoking, for example. Saying “I need to quit smoking” is simply changing a behavior. But coming to a true understanding that smokers have a shorter life expectancy or that cigarettes are toxic brings one to a belief that cigarettes are very unhealthy, thereby giving the mind a more powerful reason to quit, says Corbett.

“One of the best ways to change the way you think is to constantly educate yourself on the subject of thinking more clearly and living a more healthy life,” Corbett said. “This would include reading books, keeping up with your faith and most importantly surrounding yourself with loving, caring and optimistic people.”