The term “wellness” is broad. When we talk about our health and wellness, what does that mean? What all does it encompass? Is wellness the same as self-care? As health care?
Wellness is all-encompassing: it is our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Sometimes, all these aspects of self are balanced and integrated. Sometimes – maybe more than not – one or more are imbalanced.
This is why wellness maintenance can prevent this imbalance across the board. We can take time each day to boost our wellness, and it doesn’t require a lot of time or money; just the dedication to nurture your wellness on a regular basis.
Read on for simple ways to boost and nurture your wellness every day.
Here Are 5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Wellness on the Daily:
- Morning Check-In
Before the day gets away from you, take time first thing in the morning to check in with yourself. Slowly drink a glass of room temperature water and take a few deep breaths.
Now, ask yourself: What do you need today? How are you feeling this morning? You need time for this assessment – not a lot of time – but a few moments of stillness and quiet to yourself.
Perhaps you perform this check-in in the form of a seated meditation, or over your morning cuppa. Setting aside 5-10 minutes to journal helps you tune inward.
Whatever method speaks to you, do that. And stick to it! This is the beginning of a simple yet fruitful morning wellness routine that will set your mind, your mood, and your day up for success.
- Take Care of Your Temple
Our health is our wealth and our body is our temple! Feed it and fuel it with this in mind. Be mindful of your hydration throughout the day. A simple rule of thumb to follow: drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water every day (for example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that’s 75 ounces). I’ve noticed a huge difference in my energy levels, digestion, mental focus, and even my skin.
Eating well doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. When it comes to our wellness, small steps add up to big results. Maybe for you this means eliminating fast food from your diet, or swapping soda for seltzer water. Maybe it means adding an apple to your lunch, or an extra side of veggies at dinner.
Maintaining your physical wellness also means being active. Whether it’s taking your dog on a brisk walk each morning, scheduling 30 minutes to practice yoga or go for a jog, or signing up for that dance class you’ve always wanted to try – find something that you enjoy and do that!
Approach your wellness on your own terms, and do what works best for YOU. It will be much easier to stay committed to your daily wellness when you do.
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- Mental Maintenance
Treat your mind like the powerful muscle it is, and strengthen it every day! Read ten pages of an inspirational book before bed. Watch an educational documentary next time you turn on the TV. Listen to a podcast when you’re driving or doing chores. These are examples of small steps that add up to big results for your overall mental wellbeing.
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On the daily, it’s important to engage in “extra-curriculars” that nourish your brain and encourage your creativity. Draw, journal, dance, paint – anything that brings you joy and makes you feel inspired.
Need more inspiration? Here are 8 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health Today.
- Connect
Our mental and emotional wellbeing benefit greatly from connection. Call a loved one you haven’t spoken to in a while. Write an actual letter and send it to a friend telling them how much they mean to you. Connecting with your loved ones is empowering and comforting, particularly in times when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or lonely.
Smile at a stranger, and give someone a genuine compliment today. Get involved in your community, an organization that aligns with your values, or consider volunteering your time.
Every single one of our actions and deeds create a ripple effect, and you never know how much your actions can positively impact someone else. We receive when we give, so know that when you’re doing good for others, that same good is positively impacting you.
- Practice Mindfulness
One of the quickest ways to drop into a fear or stress state is to not be present. When we focus on the past or future, it’s easy to feel anxious or overwhelmed. When we instead focus on the present moment, we can be fully here in the now.
Enter: mindfulness. Mindfulness is simply the practice of approaching the present moment – any task at hand – with complete presence and awareness. Brushing your teeth, washing the dishes, driving your car, typing an email, walking down the street.
Let’s apply mindfulness to brushing your teeth, a routine task that we can easily check out of and let our minds wander. Instead, feel the toothpaste pressing out of the tube and onto your brush. Smell the fresh scent before you taste it. Move the bristles slowly over each tooth, as if for the first time.
Slowing d-o-w-n through mindfulness calms our nervous system, it allows our minds to remain in a calm and clear state, and over time helps train us to focus on the present moment. Challenge yourself to be mindful the rest of the day and see how you feel. 🙂
Your Daily Wellness: The Takeaway
I say this often: Wellness is a birthright, a lifelong journey, and a commitment to and for yourself. Committing to your wellness is investing in your health and your wealth. Stay well, my friends!