Five Steps to Wellness
by Mitch Rustad for gayhealth.com

If you spend time at the gym, chances are you're in pretty good physical shape and enjoying your share of admirers wherever you go. But is looking good in a tank top all there is to being healthy? Of course not.

"Keeping your body, mind and spirit in balance is the key," says Robert Volinsky, a New York City-based licensed massage therapist whose business, Restorative Therapies, helps clients achieve overall wellness. "When the important aspects of our lives are running smoothly and make us happy, wellness is a natural result."

Volinsky incorporates a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that includes massage, aromatherapy and Reiki (a sacred healing art that uses the hands and mind). He shared with us the following steps to wellness that all of us can use:

Stress be gone!
A large proportion of doctor visits are related to stress, according to the National Stress Organization. And one way to reduce stress is to avoid working to the point of burning out. "Take mini-breaks during work, not for coffee or another cigarette, but to breathe," says Volinsky, who suggests taking ten slow, relaxed deep breaths. "It's like a mini-meditation. When you're done breathing, you'll be surprised at how easily this exercise can calm you down."

Work it out.
"Nothing erases stress and promotes wellness better than a little sweat," says Volinsky. "Moving around and using your muscles helps your body remove toxins and benefits your heart and lungs." Play tennis, take a walk, run in the park, grab a dumbbell or do anything else you enjoy that gets your body moving and active, says Volinsky. And don't forget to stretch (or better yet, take a yoga class). Studies have consistently shown that stretching not only increases flexibility but also slows aging and promotes better sleep! (If you have health problems, be sure to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise routine).

Eat consciously.
Notice we're not using the word "diet" here. We're merely talking about having an awareness of the food we eat. "Your meals are a time to give back to yourself, to support your body and your life," says Volinsky. "Be present and conscious while eating. This will not only promote better digestion of food, but amplify appreciation for the wellness you are trying to maintain." Volinsky warns that eating quickly can lead to indigestion and other digestive problems. "Give your salivary glands a chance to function. After all, food is more that just fuel, it's life!"

Feel the love.
We're not just talking about the hottie you took to the movies last Saturday night. Love also comes from family, friends and your community. "We are social beings by nature," says Volinsky. "Having time with those we care about is social 'food' we can't live without."

Get your zzz's.
Are you getting enough sleep (seven to eight hours a night)? Not only does adequate sleep help your gym-worked muscles rebuild and grow, it's absolutely crucial to maintaining health and wellness, says Volinsky. "Sleep is the time our body rejuvenates and restores itself. Many people are sleep-deprived, which can dramatically undermine their health, making them more prone to illness, stress and depression."