In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for every day to feel like a blur. We all get caught up in the daily grind, striving for success, and often forget to pay attention to the quality of our lives. How does our body feel? How is our mental health? Are we truly at peace or happy?
Many of us feel like we’re on a hamster wheel, repeating the same routines day in and day out, all while waiting for our big break, graduation day, or promotion. In the process, we often neglect ourselves and our loved ones, living for the next milestone. The biggest realization I had was when a friend told me, “Who you are right now and how you choose to live is who you will be tomorrow. The key to a successful future is making the best of each present moment.”
That conversation helped me understand the importance of wellness and living well. Wellness is a state of well-being and harmony with one’s mind, body, and soul. Living well gives you the energy to engage with life in a meaningful and fulfilling way. To give our best to our goals, careers, and relationships, we must first feel our best. There are many dimensions to wellness, but here are a few tips to help you start your wellness journey.
1. Put Yourself First
We need to get into the habit of putting ourselves first without remorse. Putting yourself first is vital on your wellness journey and has many facets. Some days it may mean turning down an invitation because you need to rest; other days it could be taking a social media hiatus or distancing yourself from a toxic relationship. While we may want to please and give all we have to those we love, we must understand that to truly be selfless and give our best to the world, we must learn to be selfish with our time and energy.
Putting yourself first also involves setting boundaries. It’s important to recognize when you’re overextending yourself and learn to say no. Setting boundaries protects your mental and physical health, ensuring that you have the time and energy to devote to what truly matters. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your needs and to carve out time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
2. Eat Well, Rest Well
Proper nutrition and adequate rest are crucial for maintaining a stable mood, the normal functioning of our bodies, and keeping our energy levels up throughout the day. Issues like brittle nails or dull skin can often be attributed to poor nutrition or lack of rest. Health is wealth, and beyond physical aesthetics and body butters, our bodies need to be properly nourished and rested to help us perform our best.
Eating well means incorporating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar, as they can lead to energy crashes and negatively impact your health. Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Resting well involves more than just getting enough sleep; it’s about the quality of your sleep. Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down, such as reading a book or practising meditation, and ensure your sleeping environment is comfortable and conducive to rest.
3. Work Smart
We often equate hard work with overworking ourselves. Regardless of your stage in life—whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or working a 9-5 job—excelling and maintaining sanity requires working smart. Working smart means identifying your strengths and building a system to reach your goals efficiently. Unlike hard work, which involves spending long hours on tasks, smart work focuses on planning and prioritizing tasks to achieve the same results. Aim to work smarter, not harder, this year. As my favourite confidence coach says, “Burnout is not cute.”
Working smart also means leveraging technology to streamline your tasks. Utilize productivity apps and tools to help you manage your time and projects more effectively. Delegate tasks when possible and focus on your most important responsibilities. Regularly review your goals and progress, adjusting your strategies as needed to stay on track without overwhelming yourself.
4. Expand Your Mind
Expanding your mind and creativity helps create inner peace and broadens your understanding of the world. Forming a reading habit is an enjoyable way to familiarize yourself with different realities. Reading exposes you to new ideas and perspectives and can build a more positive outlook on life. Though I didn’t enjoy reading growing up, I’ve come to love it as an adult, appreciating the different perspectives and lessons, even in fictional stories.
Expanding your mind doesn’t stop at reading. Engage in activities that challenge your thinking and spark creativity, such as learning a new language, playing an instrument, or exploring different cultures. Attend workshops and seminars, both online and offline, to gain new skills and knowledge. Surround yourself with diverse and inspiring people who can offer new viewpoints and encourage personal growth. By continuously seeking to expand your mind, you’ll find greater fulfilment and a deeper connection to the world around you.
5. Create Time for Yourself and Loved Ones
Being in the company of friends and family instantly makes me feel better. Laughing, venting, or sitting in comfortable silence with loved ones is therapeutic and good for the soul. We often neglect self-care in our busy lives, but we cannot give to the world from an empty cup. Be intentional about creating time to recharge and fill yourself back up. Self-care looks different for everyone but is crucial to staying grounded and not getting caught up in life’s craziness.
Creating time for yourself also means engaging in activities that nourish your spirit. Whether it’s practising yoga, going for a walk in nature, or indulging in a hobby you love, make sure to allocate time each week for self-care. Schedule regular meetups with friends and family, and make an effort to be present during these interactions. Disconnect from digital distractions and focus on building meaningful connections. By fostering strong relationships and taking care of yourself, you’ll cultivate a sense of balance and joy in your life.
6. Practice Gratitude
In addition to these tips, incorporating gratitude into your daily routine can significantly enhance your well-being. Practising gratitude involves acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life. This can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re thankful for each day. Focusing on gratitude shifts your mindset from what you lack to what you have, fostering a sense of contentment and happiness.
Gratitude also helps you build resilience. When faced with challenges, reflecting on what you’re grateful for can provide perspective and remind you of your strengths and resources. Sharing your gratitude with others, whether through thank-you notes or verbal appreciation, strengthens relationships and spreads positivity. Make gratitude a habit, and you’ll find yourself more attuned to the beauty and goodness in your everyday life.
7. Seek Professional Help When Needed
Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling with your mental or physical health. There’s no shame in reaching out to a therapist, counsellor, or doctor to address any issues you may be facing. Professional guidance can provide you with the tools and support you need to navigate life’s challenges and improve your overall well-being.
In conclusion, as we enter the second half of the year, many of us have set amazing goals and aspirations. However, to give our best to these goals, we must first feel our best. The universe has made it such that we can only pour out from a place of overflow and abundance. While there are many facets to wellness, it’s important to prioritize our general well-being as we progress. After all, health is wealth!
