Wellness seems like such a vague word with complicated implications, doesn’t it? It seems like everywhere you look, there’s a different definition of wellness, or at least a new “best way to achieve wellness.” It can be overwhelming to try to keep up with the latest protocols, diets, exercise regimens, and countless other actions that promise wellness. We have to remember that there are multiple areas of wellness. There’s physical wellness, emotional wellness, mental wellness, spiritual wellness, and probably more that you could think of. I think all of these wellnesses are important, but they aren’t always easy to achieve.

The truth is, wellness doesn’t happen overnight, and it isn’t as simple as “achieving” a state of wellness and then going on with your life again. We will always be growing, learning, and having to adapt to our circumstances. So no matter where you are on your wellness journey, remember that every day is a new start. Every day we have the chance to take care of our bodies, minds, and souls, and promote our overall wellness. And the best part is, some of the best things you can do to promote wellness are totally free. In this blog post, I’m going to talk about five of them.

Drink Water


I love my morning coffee too, but our bodies NEED water to function properly. A general rule of thumb is to drink about half your body weight in ounces of water each day. This can seem like a lot, so I encourage you to just start somewhere. If you’re not good about drinking water at all, start with drinking a glass of water with each meal. It’s better to start with sustainable habits that will actually last, rather than trying to chug a milk jug of water every day, only to feel overwhelmed when you forget one day. Buy a water bottle, set reminders on your phone, and drink your water! Just try not to drink it all right before you go to bed… trust me, waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom is kind of annoying.

 

Unplug


We are used to being constantly connected to people and strangers alike. Do you find yourself picking up your phone constantly, even when you just checked Instagram a few minutes ago? Give your mind a break, and unplug from your devices. You may choose to unplug for one full day a week, or it might work better for you to unplug for a few hours each day (no, sleeping doesn’t count!). I recommend unplugging for the few hours before you go to bed. This gives your brain and eyes a chance to actually unwind, and it’s been proven to help you sleep better. You’ll be surprised what you can do when you unplug…read a book, dust off an old instrument, get creative, bake something, take a bath…the options are endless.

Eat Whole Foods


This one can be hard for a lot of us to swallow (no pun intended), but we really should prioritize eating whole foods as much as we can. Incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into our diets provides our bodies with more of the nutrients it needs to be well. Next time you go to the grocery store, pick out one fruit and one vegetable that you haven’t made in a while. As you try to reduce processed foods and incorporate more fresh foods, you’ll likely find yourself with higher energy levels, better sleep schedules, and clearer thinking throughout the day. Your body will thank you.

Go Outside


Getting outside everyday is essential to your wellness. Whether you lay in your backyard and soak up some vitamin D, or take a walk around your neighborhood in the morning, getting outside is so good for you. Connect with nature, meditate in the fresh air, and embrace the naturally calming effects of being outdoors.

 

Breathe


Take a deep breath, right now. Breathe in…hold it…breathe out. If you’ve been on the Internet for a while, there’s a good chance you haven’t taken a deep breath recently. Breathing exercises can lower blood pressure levels and reduce stress. Set reminders on your phone and tape them around your house so you don’t forget to breathe. So often we’re going throughout our days so quickly that we don’t stop until we’re ready for bed. Setting a few minutes aside every day to stop, breathe, and relax can do wonders for your overall well being. 

Pretty simple, right? The things I mentioned above aren’t difficult to do, they just take time, discipline, and maybe a few sticky note reminders posted around your house. And remember, habits take time to stick. Don’t beat yourself for not doing all of these things every day. Pick one or two and try to implement them this week. You won’t regret it.

In health & happiness,