Merriam-Webster defines “health” as a noun. It goes on to say that health is the general condition of one’s body.

Health can relate to many aspects of our lives: physical, social, financial, environmental, dental, and, of course, mental health. As a mental health counselor, I agree that the word health refers to a state of being. I also believe health is a verb—an action word. It involves smart choices and reasonable actions. Balance in all things is the magic word for achieving health— being sound in body, mind, or spirit.

Too much of a good thing is not a good thing. Anything can be over- or underdone, and shifted from “good” to “bad” or at least, “unhealthy.”

For example, milk is generally believed to be good for us, but two or three  gallons a day might be a bit much. Another example is carrots. They are very nutritious, but in excess, they can cause skin to turn yellow-orange and digestive issues.

Overdoing also applies to exercising, sleeping, reading, time with friends—whatever. Too much of a good thing is not necessarily a good thing. Balance is key.

When trying to incorporate balance into each day, the word moderation offers a little more clarity. The last few days, I forgot about being moderate and worked my back, and my muscles got sore. Being moderate matters. It’s not necessarily easy, but usually worth the effort.

Balance and moderation can mean only one or two chocolates, half a cup instead of a whole pint of ice cream, small portions and no seconds, cleaning two cabinets a day instead of the whole kitchen, and planting a small portion of the garden each day. You get the picture. Tasks or indulgences in moderation lead to the automatic reward of balance. Balance is necessary for good health, especially mental health. But it takes conscious effort.

If we moderate our thoughts first, then controlling anger, disappointment, exhaustion, spending, and food choices is easier.

The thing about health is that success in one area of your life influences others. For example. If I keep a clean house, the order gives me permission to sit on the patio, get a little sun, or read the book a friend recommended. If I take the time to fix a decent meal, I’m more likely to eat a conscious diet of colorful food, which in turn, helps me have more energy and gives me a better chance of stressing less and sleeping more deeply.

Our bodies are miraculous, but they are not to be taken for granted—balance in all areas reap benefits. Health is both a noun and a verb. Our choices, changes, and actions contribute to overall improved health.

Until the next time: Live while you live