Wellness is a deliberate effort to practice healthy habits daily to achieve better mental and physical health. It can be used as a framework to understand, organize, and balance personal development and growth.
There are days that feel so long, it’s difficult to see the end. I’ve adopted unhealthy habits or put others first to the point of hurting myself. I know that I’m not alone in that feeling, and thankfully there is a place to begin. Adopting a wellness mindset can lead to more healthy and product lifestyles.
The following aspects of life can be made better by practicing wellness or self-care techniques:
So, how are we supposed to incorporate wellness into our already busy and stressful lives? Try these four simple ways to increase wellness as part of your self-care routines.
Do what makes you happy
Reflect on what brings happiness to you. It can be a person, place, food, movie, craft, sport, or anything that brings you joy. Try to be as specific as possible–what makes you feel better when you’re unhappy? What boosts energy when you’re feeling sluggish. What foods perk you up? Where is your happy place?
Once you’ve listed those things and/or activities, think about how you can create a routine or formal practice around the things that make you happy. For example, if Mack always puts you at ease when you talk, make an intention to message, or call regularly. And while it’s easier said than done, do your best to avoid things or people who make you unhappy.
Stay active
Exercise often. Incorporate any form of exercise in your daily routine. For example, yoga, swimming, or afternoon walks can lower blood pressure, promote better circulation, and occupy the mind along with the body. Physical activity is proven to have a positive impact on depression and anxiety. It can also improve memory, relieve stress, and help you sleep better.
We know that staying active is good for us physically, but it’s also good for you spiritually, mentally, and emotionally because it can boost your overall mood. If you’re like me and exercising doesn’t make your top five list of things to do, find a way to make it fun. Join that 305 fitness class, invite a friend on a hike, find an at-home video that fits your pace and lifestyle. Staying active means moving your body–you don’t have to run a mud race or join a basketball team.
Sleep well
Undoubtedly, resting well is fuel for the body and mind. Stress and mood are closely linked. Good sleep can help you be more productive, decrease irritability or stress, and allow your body to recover and prepare for the next day. Because sleep is crucial to your wellness, figure out a nighttime routine that can put you in the best position for a solid sleep. Maybe that’s finding your perfect calming scent (like lavender, chamomile, or bergamot), taking a bath/shower, or mediating to push away any negative thoughts or stressors.
Incorporate music
Music has the power to relax our minds, deal with hard experiences or anxiety, or feel heard. It can also uplift, inspire movement, and boost confidence. We inherently know that music can relax the mind or energize the body because it influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Harnessing that power as part of your wellness routine can provide a support system.
There are so many streaming services out there that allow us to curate playlists according to our moods, activities, or favorite artists. Tap into music because it is a powerful medium for processing emotions, acting as a calming agent, or managing pain.
Wellness isn’t rocket science, but it is a scientific framework! Try incorporating these four tips in a systematic way and see how your mind, body, and soul react. xoxo Mo
