What is Wellness? Well the Oxford dictionary definition of wellness is “the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal”. To be honest that is the most straightforward as you can get with it. When I think of wellness I think of balance. A balance within every aspect of your life. In order to have balance though, you need discipline and dedication. Two attributes that are both empowering yet extremely exhausting. I sit here on on my condo balcony attempting to unpack everything I have in my brain to be able to even begin to understand these concepts. Alone these terms are straightforward, but put them together in a room, it almost seems impossible especially if you ever experienced burn out in your life. But burnout is another concept we will dig deep into another time. Today is still about wellness.
Lets quickly go back to the definition of wellness and break it down. “A state of being in good health”; is all that we as human beings ever strive for theoretically, but never really obtain. “An actively pursued goal”; I know for a fact everyone has at least one, even if they don’t know it. From this we can notice a pattern that we as humans have a biological need to improve and grow our minds in order to enhance the evolution of the species whether we like it or not.
The world portrays health and wellness in a variety of different forms. As soon as you pop on social media you see endless amounts of body types, mindsets, diets, workout routines, equipment, supplements, and the list can go on forever. Although we are very fortune to be able to have easy access to this amount of content, on the flip side it can become quite overwhelming for some. This in turn I feel it causes many people to follow unhealthy beauty standards and become insecure with themselves. For example, take a look at a body builder. From the outside, when training for a competition, they look like the pinnacle of health. They physically look muscular and shredded, they eat consistent healthy meals, and work out all the time. In reality though, they most likely over train their bodies, don’t get enough sleep, take enhancing supplements, eat in a calorie deficit, all well still trying to do daily life things. From personal experience and knowing people deep into the industry, the body knows this lifestyle cannot be maintained long term.
Now just like anything in this world, to much of one thing will not work in your favour. Like I said before I believe the goal is balance. There are so many factors that can get in the way of the wellness journey, some we can control and others we cannot. Living a wellness lifestyle is all about prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional health. By making conscious choices every day, you can improve your overall well-being and lead a happier, more fulfilling life. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key ways you can live a wellness lifestyle.
- Prioritize Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential to good health, but it’s often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night and establish a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid using electronics before bedtime, as the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin and disrupt your sleep.
- Move Your Body
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore – find a physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s walking, yoga, dancing, or lifting weights. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, or break it up into smaller increments throughout the day. The key is to make movement a regular part of your routine.
- Eat Whole, Nutritious Foods
Fueling your body with whole, nutritious foods is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Focus on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and packaged foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Practice Mindfulness
Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health. Practicing mindfulness – the act of being present and fully engaged in the moment – can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Find a mindfulness practice that works for you, whether it’s meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
- Connect with Others
Humans are social creatures, and connecting with others is essential to our well-being. Make time for friends and family, join a community group or club, or volunteer for a cause you care about. These connections can help reduce stress and boost your mood.
- Find Joy in Life
Life can be stressful and overwhelming, but it’s important to find joy in the little things. Take time to do things you enjoy, whether it’s reading a book, taking a bubble bath, or trying a new hobby. These moments of joy can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
In conclusion, living a wellness lifestyle is all about making conscious choices every day to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health. By prioritizing sleep, moving your body, eating nutritious foods, practicing mindfulness, connecting with others, and finding joy in life, you can improve your overall well-being and lead a happier, more fulfilling life.
The Wellness Warrior Woman 