Living our Healthiest Life in an Unhealthy World

Alexandra Mateus
4 min readDec 16, 2024

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Myself. Photo taken by Janine Laag. October 2024.

Today, I invite you to explore a holistic approach to life.

As I get ready to pack for warmer weather, I’m listening to In the AM by Mayank, feeling the contrast of the seasons. I will soon trade the snow for the sun, and I’m reminded of the beauty in both extremes.

In today’s world, which prioritizes fast fixes and external validation, what if we reconnect with what nourishes us?

Staying healthy can often seem like attempting to run a marathon in flip-flops in cold weather.

Our health goes beyond our eating and workout habits, prompting me to share a few reflections that worked for me.

Primary Food

Primary food refers to the things that nourish us beyond what’s on our plate. It’s all about the experiences, relationships, and activities that feed our souls and bring us joy in life and business.

Bio-individuality reminds us that everyone has unique needs that change over a lifetime. When it comes to nutrition, our individual requirements are influenced by various factors, including our responses to specific foods and our nutritional needs at different life stages.

Additionally, our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs can affect the health of our physical bodies. So, staying attuned to our body’s needs, asking ourselves questions, and following our personal “prescriptions” for wellness.

What nourishes us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as younger individuals may not provide the same benefits as we age. It is good to be flexible and adapt our eating habits to meet our evolving needs.

Each aspect of health — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual — is interconnected and influences the others in various ways.

Invisible drains

Here’s the catch, many physical issues start in non-physical realms. Stress it’s a big source of inflammation. Stress, energy imbalances, and emotional experiences draining us can all affect our bodies.

As the Chinese say, “Visible disease starts with invisible disturbances.” In other words, if we don’t deal with the root causes, those sneaky problems will show up as physical symptoms. Our bodies will thank us.

The secondary food

No single eating approach works for everyone. However, prioritizing most of the time whole foods gives us a huge advantage. Understanding the evidence behind this can help you ask thoughtful questions. Acknowledge how you feel, and revisit your needs as you move through life. In doing so, you’ll allow the innate wisdom of your body to help inform dietary decisions and improve your health in ways that are right for you.

As nutrition needs vary from person to person, it also varies through different stages of life.

Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast. Our Healthier Life Awaits.

Small, steady changes in how we eat, move, sleep, and handle stress can transform our health over time. Sure, it takes patience, but the results are worth it. There’s no quick fixes, only lasting benefits.

Living our best and healthiest life is a journey. It might not always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

Over the last few years, I tend to see more people seeking experiences that offer personal growth and connection, a sense of belonging and improving their health in natural slow paced environments.

As modern explorers we value seeing journeys as opportunities to live our best self as we can imagine.

Whether it’s tasting local, seasonal foods that nourish the body and soul, or finding moments of awe beneath the stars, the experience becomes an avenue for recharging and clarity. Each of these moments serves as a reminder of our place within the larger spectrum of life.

By embracing a slower pace, we open ourselves to healing, learning, and bonding in ways that are more aligned with our needs. Whether it’s through quiet moments of solitude or shared experiences, the opportunity for growth is found in both aloneness and togetherness.

Longevity, as you’ve noted, becomes more than just a matter of health. It’s about finding a sense of belonging, whether through quiet reflection, heartfelt connections, or shared wisdom.

Slow living isn’t only a way to see the world. It’s a journey on health, where we allow the body to relax and stay in optimal awareness for our health in all spectrums; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

What if you prioritise what feels right for your unique needs, and commit to making steady, lasting changes?

Your healthiest life is waiting — what will you do to begin the journey?

That’s all for today. I would love to hear your thoughts. Enjoy a cup of Sun!

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I share insightful material on Wellness, Purpose-driven leadership, and Slow Travel.

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Feel free to join & stay healthy.

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Alexandra Mateus
Alexandra Mateus

Written by Alexandra Mateus

I help leaders to lead with compassion, adaptability, and awareness keeping optimal health so they feel grounded and resilient. https://alexandram.substack.com

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