In a new section in Healthy New Albany Magazine, we talk to prominent national or community figures who have made their mark on Columbus in some way and learn about what they do on a regular basis to stay healthy. Healthy New Albany Magazine had a chance to talk with author, actress and mental health advocate Mariel Hemingway and get her opinions on healthy living.
Healthy New Albany Magazine: HeaAre there any foods that you avoid or emphasize?
Mariel Hemingway: I avoid sugar and anything processed. I emphasize eating organic, local,
Photo courtesy of Hinson Ltd Public Relations
sustainable and seasonal veggies, fruit and even pasture-raised, humanely treated meats and poultry. If it isn’t treated well, then I won’t eat it.
HNA: What are your favorite ways to stay active?
MH: I love yoga and do it four days a week. But what I truly love is to get outside. My favorite thing in all the world is to be in the mountains of Idaho, hiking through the amazing landscape, ending up at a river or lake where I dunk into the cold, cold, cold water.
HNA: What do you like to do to relax?
MH: I take naps now. My partner, Bobby Williams, got me hooked on afternoon naps for about 15 to 20 minutes; there is powerful healing in napping.
HNA: What are some things you do to reduce stress and anxiety?
MH: I meditate twice daily for 20 minutes. Silence is one of our biggest teachers, and the result is that it reduces stress and anxiety. Also, breathing is key to finding inner peace, especially if you are suffering from any kind of mental imbalance.
HNA: How do you see the relationship between physical and mental health?
MH: I truly believe that it is a mistake to separate the mind and body relationship. What we do with our physical bodies, how we move, what we ingest – everything affects the brain. All food and liquid that we eat or drink is made up of chemical compounds, and those compounds affect our brains. How we do everything in our lives affects everything else. I think it is super important to stay mindful of that fact.
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Sarah Sole is an editor. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
