Wellness is as individual as a fingerprint and means something different to everyone. To many the thought of wellness is doing yoga five times a week, meditating and drinking a power shake for breakfast but it actually takes a journey of self-discovery to find out what makes each individual feel well – from standing in the sun to running with their children or simply enjoying a favourite treat once a week (TV or chocolate).
Most of them are much easier to fit in with your day-to-day routine than you might think!
Find Balance
Don’t force yourself to get up at 6 am every day for a run or to drink super green juices. Fit activity into your lifestyle and make healthy eating swaps when you can, but don’t deny yourself a treat such as chocolate or cakes when you fancy it. Try and make sure to sleep 7-8 hours per night if you can.
Create intrinsic goals, not just extrinsic goals
Focus on how you want to feel and why health will help you to cultivate more happiness and fulfilment, rather than how it changes your appearance. Journaling or working with a life coach is great for self-discovery – you’ll be amazed at what you learn about yourself.
Exercise for enjoyment
Find something you enjoy doing every day that makes you feel healthy. What works for you may not necessarily be what works for your best friend, social media influencer or colleague. Take this enjoyment and try to incorporate it into your everyday routine. It might be high intensity, or sometimes merely stretching.
Perfection rejection
It’s about consistency, not perfection – nourishment not deprivation. Self-care is a necessity and not a luxury. Start by making small do-able changes that can become part of your daily life; you can build on it and create a lifestyle that helps you reach your wellness goals. Go for daily walks, run around the park or go to soft play with the children – whatever works that day. Restorative exercise is super important for hormonal health too so don’t discount a gentle workout.
Small steps to big changes
Self-care can be as simple as eating your favourite breakfast, getting a good nights’ sleep, or turning off social media for the evening. It doesn’t have to be a huge act – take the dog for a walk on a sunny day (and if you don’t have one, borrow neighbours!). Try not to pay attention to what other people are doing, and focus on what works well for you.
Be you
Don’t feel the need to conform or fit another person’s ideal. Understand what works for you and find your own way. Embrace culture, equality, diversity, fitness, health and recognise your individual nutritional needs. Life’s more fun when you challenge convention, break the rules and pursue your passion. Why fit in when you can stand out?
