Wellness Wednesday :)
Happy Wednesday!
With the weather changing, holidays coming and going, and work life starting to get busy before the New Year, it’s the perfect time for a wellness check. Holiday time can be one of the most stressful when it comes to eating or a healthy lifestyle in general. With all that’s circulating on social media it can make it even more difficult to find peace with our lifestyle.
Wellness does not only involve feeling sick versus feeling well. It encompasses how you feel mentally, your relationship with diet and exercise, sleep, and social life. Being in a state of wellness also doesn’t mean that each of these aspects of lifestyle need to be perfect all the time. Doing what you can to feel well in different areas of life can make all the difference in how you feel overall.
When you’re checking in with yourself and assessing wellness, here are some things to keep in mind:
Are you nourished? Many of us know all too well how easy it is to fall into the black and white thinking about food during holiday time. The idea that certain foods may be “good” or “bad” makes it easier to restrict. Yet restriction almost always leads to overeating in the end, and it doesn’t lead to positive feelings. Restriction leaves you hungry and reinforces the idea that you are only good enough to eat “healthy” foods. But what if you made the commitment to change the dialogue? What if after a heavier meal you committed to still nourishing yourself the next day? Regardless of what you ate that you thought was “bad,” your body still needs energy and deserves to be nourished! Keeping in mind a balanced plate of protein, fiber & healthy fat, your body will thank you when you choose to give it the fuel it needs rather than taking it away. You’ll feel more energized and will have taken steps towards eliminating that black and white thinking if you choose balanced nourishment over restriction.
Are you moving enough? You don’t need to engage in intense exercise every single day to say that you include movement in your day. A simple walk with a friend or a walk in between meetings to get fresh air will not only help you get your steps in, but it will help boost your mood and decrease stress. Movement also aids in better digestion and sleep. Those that move more are happier on average than those who don’t move as much. Even if you only have 10 minutes, consider taking a break to experience the fresh air and a change of scenery.
Are you sleeping well? Sometimes when we aren’t getting enough sleep life can seem harder to handle than usual, and eating and exercise patterns may be thrown off. Try to cultivate a nighttime routine that promotes sleep—turning off your phone before bed, reading a book, practicing meditation or breathwork.
How are you taking time for yourself? Is movement your form of self care, or is it something else? Maybe it’s curling up to a movie or a good book, or maybe it’s your evening skincare routine. Maybe it’s taking a break from your phone. Whatever it is, find time in your day or week to practice self care, relax, and decompress.
Find time for fun! Make plans with friends or family and get out of the house. Life isn’t all about just work and taking care of others, it’s about taking care of yourself and enjoying experiences with others too!
Maybe you don’t need to improve all areas of your lifestyle—maybe focusing on just one will help give you a boost. And make it a habit! In the midst of doing things for others we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves.
Check in with yourself today, and do something for you!
By Jessica Kaplan