A lot of times, the solutions to our present problems can be found in the past. In fact, we often study history to gain insight and knowledge that was collected by our ancestors. For instance, our ancestors didn’t have the advanced technologies of this era but they were still stronger and healthier than most people today. So, the following are some of the things that today’s generation can learn from them:
1. Eating Fresh and Healthy
We don’t have patience for anything today. We want same-day delivery of our online purchases, movies downloaded in a matter of seconds on our computers, and food that can be prepared instantly. In fact, it was this very need for instant satiation that led to the concept of “fast food”.
People in every corner of the world love fast food like burgers, fries, fried chicken, etc. even though these foods aren’t good for your health. In fact, there are many such foods that should be avoided at all costs because they can actually kill you if you aren’t careful.
Eating healthy and fresh is something that we all can learn from our ancestors. They used to consume only farm-fresh food all their lives. There was no concept of additives, preservatives, flavour enhancers, etc. back then. Thus, the food they ate was completely organic and nutritious. It’s the reason why there were few deadly diseases at that time and most people lived a long and prosperous life.
2. Living a Non-Sedentary Lifestyle
Technology has made our lives so easy and comfortable that it’s become a challenge of its own to live a non-sedentary lifestyle. However, it was more a norm for our ancestors as they would spend their days doing manual labour at farms, collecting wood from the forests, grazing their cattle, etc.
Today, we spend hours sitting in front of a computer for both work and entertainment. However, this lack of activity is highly detrimental towards your health and must be limited as much as possible.
If you engage in little to no physical activity, then you can start making improvements from today itself. All you have to do is give 30 minutes of your day to the gym or any type of cardiovascular routine for at least 5 days a week. It’s also a good idea to take a DNA test for health and ancestry information as it can help you detect health problems in advance. So, you can make appropriate lifestyle changes and prevent your children from developing the health conditions that your ancestors had.
3. Spending Time with Nature
Gone are the ways when people would go to picnics with families, play sports outside with friends, or simply go for a stroll. A large number of people spend most of their time indoors which is one of the biggest reasons why the mental and physical health of the youngsters are deteriorating.
Our ancestors used to do the opposite of what we do today. They would spend less time inside their house and more time on the road, in the fields and the forests. This was beneficial to them in many ways. For starters, they got enough sunlight so they didn’t suffer from the deficiency of vitamin D. Since they were also close to nature, they got to breathe in fresh air that was rich in oxygen. This did wonders for their mental and physical health.
Fortunately, people are now realizing the benefits of spending time with nature. For instance, nature-based preschools are trending that ensure the toddlers don’t feel alienated from nature and understand the importance of protecting the environment. There are many ways you can come closer to mother earth and live a happier life. You just need to make a commitment.
4. Using Home Remedies
Our ancestors largely relied on alternative or traditional medicine for all kinds of ailments. Due to these natural treatments, their bodies were not harmed by chemicals and toxins that are often generated by the modern medicine we consume today.
The truth is that herbs are highly powerful, and when used in the right manner, can treat some of the biggest health problems. In fact, plants are arguably better than pharmaceutical drugs that come with all kinds of side effects and long-term damages. This is the reason why Ayurveda is still practised in many parts of the world.
5. Living a Simple Life
There is nothing wrong with living a simple but happy life. Our ancestors knew this well, which is why felt content no matter what the circumstances were. However, in the present era, people tend to give too much importance to materialistic entities. They are always chasing after luxuries – expensive cars, sprawling houses, etc. However, even when they achieve their goals, they feel empty inside.
Our ancestors knew how to be happy with whatever they had rather than regret for what they didn’t. That’s the key to a happy life.
Article Submitted By Community Writer