August is National Wellness Month and its purpose is to promote the growth of a community, connection, and commerce in the wellness industry. All during August, National Wellness Month focuses on self-care, managing stress, and promoting healthy routines that become healthy lifestyles.
Sounds pretty darn important right?
What Does Wellness Mean?
By definition, wellness means ‘the state of being in good health, especially as an actively set goal’.
Goals could include drinking more water, writing in a journal, meditating, working out consistently, or eating healthier for example. Importantly, what my wellness journey looks like will be different from your journey. With that said, here are some easy wellness practices to start adopting.
Here are five examples of where I started with my wellness journey.
MAKE A LIST AND HAVE A PLAN.
Since my focus has always been on living a healthy life around food, I will talk about making a list and having a plan when it comes to your meals. However, here is a friendly reminder: Having a plan sets you up for success not only today but also tomorrow and the next day in anything you want to accomplish.
Do you make lists for a solid plan?
Read: How to stop feeling frustrated with meal planning for more guidance.
To do: Write out your plan for the week or for the next few days. Remember, this has to work for you, not for me and only you know what works for your schedule.
DRINKING WATER RIGHT AWAY WHEN WAKING UP
Are you sick of me talking about drinking more water yet? No, ok good! It is SO important for our health and wellness. In terms of a wellness goal, I like the idea of having at least one glass of water at your bedside. The goal is to drink it in the morning, right away before your feet even hit the floor.
Do you already do this?
Read: 10 reasons why your body desires more water.
To do: Tonight when you are getting ready for bed, grab a glass of water and set it right by your bed. Tomorrow morning when you wake up, drink the glass of water before your feet even hit the floor.
8 oz. (250 ml) will be a great start but whatever you can do is totally fine. Then, while your coffee or tea is brewing, drink about 8-10 oz and boom – you are off to a great start!
TIME TO MOVE YOUR BODY
When we move every day (any kind of movement) we are doing things that help our body.
- Keep joints lubricated
- Provide a mental boost
- Create better sleep patterns
- Promote healthy muscles, happy endorphins, and increasing circulation
- Provide a natural boost of energy
It doesn’t matter what kind of movement YOU love to do, anything is beneficial.
Read: Healthy movement vs Obligatory Exercise and read about exercising when we ‘feel like we have to’ vs doing it because we enjoy the movement. I love what she has to say about what healthy movement is.
To do: Can you find some kind of movement that you love that you can do for 30 minutes a day?
Ex: walking, yoga, gentle stretching, weight lifting, cardio, dancing, running, cycling… Or switch it up for variety.
WHAT IS ON OUR PLATE
I am not talking about eating only fruit and veggies. You can totally have a healthy relationship with food and still eat all the things you love. I am talking about eating more REAL food and less of the food that comes in packages.
Eating more fruit, veggies, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Meat can be enjoyed too! I know plant-based eating is not for everyone.
Read: How to eat more veggies WITHOUT giving up meat completely.
To do: Make half your plate veggies; cook them in any way you prefer and eat the veggies you like. Think about meat as your side dish instead of the main star. Enjoy your meal, eat it slowly, and really taste the food.
SLEEP. IT IS A VITAL PART OF OUR WELLNESS
Getting enough sleep is important for many reasons, here are some:
- helps reduce stress
- can help improve memory
- can help you maintain your weight
- puts us in a better mood
- a natural painkiller
- can help naturally lower blood pressure
- SO much more!
Read: 14 hacks that’ll help solve your small(ish) sleep problems.
To do: Tonight when you are getting ready for bed, help set up your room for the right conditions, if needed.
- read a book, turn off electronics
- stretch, meditate, or pray
- set the room to a cooler temp if needed
- drink a cup of sleepy time tea
How Will You Create Your Wellness Routine?
In conclusion, wellness can incorporate so many different things. I have only listed a small handful. However, I believe you have all the info you need to get started. Maybe some of the things I shared here are helpful, maybe some are not. Just in case, here is a list of 5 other ideas that go along with my vision of a happy wellness routine.
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