10 Ancient Sayings To Inspire Health And Happiness

If you look online for information about health and happiness, you will find a lot of conflicting information.

Internet articles offer vastly different advice which can be confusing for readers.

One useful technique for finding ideas that work is to look to ancient philosophers, physicians, and spiritualists.

Many of their ideas survive for hundreds of years because they are effective and still relevant today.

Here are a few ancient sayings on the topics of health and happiness to get you started.

“Eat to live, not live to eat” — Socrates (469-399 BC)

Socrates was a famous Greek philosopher who is was considered the father of Western philosophy.

He wrote extensively on many topics including the importance of knowledge and how to live a meaningful life.

In this proverb, Socrates tells the reader how to eat in a way that is healthy for their mind and body.

He says you shouldn’t be gluttonous or place too much focus on the foods that you eat.

Instead, treat food as a fuel that nourishes your body.

Viewing food this way can help you avoid bad habits like binge eating or eating foods which taste good but are bad for your body.

When you “eat to live” you will choose foods that extend your lifespan and give you the sustenance you need to live an enjoyable life.

“Without exercise, a good diet alone is not sufficient and eventually medical treatment will be needed.” – Hippocrates (460-370 BC)

Hippocrates was a Greek physician who made a series of significant medical breakthroughs during his lifetime.

He received the title Father of Western Medicine and modern doctors still take the Hippocratic oath of “Do no harm”.

This quote suggests that diet and exercised must be combined to be healthy.

It is important understand this fact, given that we live in a world where being “skinny” is often thought of as being healthy.

Only when you have a well-balanced diet and an athletic body are you maintaining your health.

“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path” — Gautama Buddha (500BC)
This wonderful saying tells us that the journey is the destination.

We should take time to enjoy that journey by making the most of every day.

Don’t wait for an ultimate end goal goal to arrive before living a full life.

Enjoy being alive today and be thankful for the many joys that you have in your life.

“Walking is man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates (460-370 BC)

This is another brilliant quote from Hippocrates.

He suggests that walking is one of the best activities for maintaining good health.

His opinion has proven to be correct with researchers confirming that walking for 20 to 30 minutes each day can have a dramatic impact on your physical and mental health.

Walking can improve your cardiovascular health, joint health, bone density, and flexibility.

It is also an excellent way to improve your mood and ward off mental illnesses like depression.

“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present” — Lao Tzu (600 BC)

This wonderful quote highlights the benefit of living in the present moment.

Don’t waste your energy on negative thoughts about the past or the future — centre yourself in the present.

This simple idea is the basis of mindfulness, which involves placing your attention on what is currently happening.

This technique is fantastic for reducing stress levels, improving productivity, and gaining greater control over your emotions.

“The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large” — Confucius (around 500 BC)

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who developed a philosophical system that focuses on morality, correctness of social relationships, sincerity, and justice.

His teachings are still very relevant today and packed full of wisdom we can all use in our daily lives.

This particular quote emphasises the importance of focussing on what is good in the world instead of the negative.

Confucius says that thinking positive thoughts will improve your world — which means better relationships, more productivity, and more happiness.

“The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not” — Seneca (4 BC).

Seneca was a well-known Roman philosopher and writer.

This particular quote emphasises the importance of being happy with what you have.

You can use this quote to remind yourself to be grateful for your friends, family, health and lifestyle.

“The more you eat, the less flavour; the less you eat, the more flavour.” ~Chinese Proverb
This ancient saying highlights how much better food is when you eat it in small amounts instead of over-indulging.

Applying this principle while eating not only helps you enjoy your food more, it will keep you healthy.

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less” — Socrates (469-399 BC)

This is another wonderful quote from Socrates.

In this proverb, he says that happiness isn’t always found in seeking more but in being able to enjoy less.

Instead of obsessing about having a larger house, a new car or another luxurious holiday — find the joy that is available in everyday activities like enjoying a meal with loved ones or taking a walk.

“He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctors.” ~Chinese Proverb

This proverb highlights the importance of diet for maintaining good health.

If your diet is poor, no amount of exercise or medications will make you healthy.

I hope you enjoyed reading 10 Ancient Sayings To Inspire Health And Happiness!

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