How can we live better, fuller, and more peacefully? Recommendations from the world’s top specialists can guide us.
There is a saying often attributed to Charlie Chaplin: “The six best doctors in the world are sun, rest, exercise, diet, self-respect, friends. Stick to them at all stages of your life and enjoy good health.” Although it wasn’t actually coined by Chaplin but comes from an old rhyme, the medical metaphor contained in this quote fits well with what we do. However, the Przekrój Clinic is run not by six, but by twelve, doctors.
Dr. Breath
Breathing is much more than an incessant biological function to supply energy. Slow, rhythmic inhalations and exhalations are the key to a calm mind. It is an anchor that grounds us in the present moment and nurtures our well-being. Conscious breathing is an art that each of us can practice and refine.
Dr. Diet
Fresh, energizing, and well-timed food improves our strength, immunity, mood, and clarity of mind. However, just like it is a medicine, it can also become a poison. Understanding the relationship between food and well-being means not simply satiating hunger but nourishing ourselves.
Dr. Move
It is much easier to feel good in a fit body, and the simplest way to achieve this is through physical activity. Choosing a type of activity that brings us joy can turn effort into entertainment. The body benefits, becoming stronger and more resilient, as does the mind, which is freed from stress and anxiety.
Dr. Here and Now
In a world filled with stimuli, meditation can become our personal oasis of peace. It involves completely letting go—finding joy in being purely in the present moment. When we learn to redirect our attention to the present and simply observe incoming thoughts without judging them, we achieve emotional balance. Regular meditation sessions help us better understand ourselves, and deepen our awareness.
Dr. Sleep
When we sleep, the brain regenerates, rests, consolidates memories, and processes emotions, allowing us to function smoothly again in the morning. We may not be aware of these operations, but that doesn’t diminish their importance. A regular sleep schedule, a comfortable nighttime environment, and the use of relaxation techniques before sleep can change our nights (and therefore our days) for the better.
Dr. Relax
In this fast-paced reality, we forget that we cannot rush all the time. Taking rest seriously and finding a relaxing activity allows us to detach from everyday worries, maintain a balance between duties and personal needs, and avoid burnout. And thanks to this – though perhaps more slowly – we can grow further and safer.
Dr. Together
Relationships, both close and distant, build and strengthen us. Community provides emotional help and a sense of belonging. Significant relationships form a platform for sharing experiences, processing emotions, and supporting personal development. Nurturing social bonds reduces the sense of loneliness and isolation, improves mood, and contributes to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Dr. Faith
Faith is trust that goes beyond the limits of reason and knowledge. It is a lantern in the dark and a bridge over the abyss of fear. It is worth it to believe—in ideas, in people, in oneself—because faith, building mental resilience in the face of challenges, gives us the power to move mountains.
Dr. Determination
We constantly make decisions (or we do not make them) which contribute to who and where we are. Regardless of how dependent we may be on circumstances and other people, the choice—whether we make an effort or surrender to circumstances—is solely ours. It is important to make each choice consciously and navigate our own fate with full responsibility.
Dr. Art
Experiencing art is the act of immersing oneself in the ocean of human expression. Whether admiring a masterpiece in a gallery, listening to a symphony, or delving into a novel, your engagement goes beyond ordinary observation. Art is a gateway to the realms of emotion, intellect, and imagination. It nourishes our senses; promotes introspection and empathy. It serves as a mirror that reflects and multiplies human experiences. Contact with the works of artists also awakens our own creative spirit.
Dr. Nature
Close encounters with nature allow us to connect with the primal rhythm that pulses in each of us. We renew our bond with nature by looking at the glow of the rising sun, the play of lights in the forest, the flow of a river. The rustle of leaves, the scent of flowers, and the sound of bird songs can evoke our deepest admiration. Experiencing nature brings relief, enlivens the body and senses, and grounds us in awe of the beauty and harmony of the world.
Dr. Humor
Without wit and smiling, our mosaic of well-being would be incomplete. Laughter is a radiant exercise for the heart, stimulates the mind, and uplifts the spirit, supporting mental resilience and helping maintain emotional balance. The ability to joke is a joyful counterbalance to daily challenges—it helps see life from a brighter perspective and connects us in community.
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