Wellness involves a holistic approach that nourishes and balances the multiple dimensions of our personal health. Emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial and occupational wellness are each interrelated, and when one dimension is lacking, another may suffer.
To live a wellness-full life, we must engage in activities that improve these dimensions. This means we need to be active, eat well, sleep well and remain connected.
1. Exercise
Exercise helps build strength, boosts energy and may reduce feelings of depression, anxiety or stress. It also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect that can prevent heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
You don’t need to go to the gym or run miles every day to get the benefits of exercise. Just 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week can make a big difference in your health and wellness.
Start with a workout routine that’s easy for you and works with your energy level. If you’re low on energy, choose a short workout and keep a list of other options for the days you’re feeling good.
2. Eat Healthy
When we think of wellness, our mind often jumps to the food we eat. It’s easy to see how the wrong choices can lead to problems such as excess weight gain or obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, weak bones and even mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Eating healthy involves a balanced diet that includes lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein foods, and dairy products. It also involves limiting processed foods, sodium and added sugars.
The best way to start eating healthier is to learn about what your body needs and what you enjoy eating. Identify what real foods you like and make those the ones you choose to eat most days, Judd suggests.
3. Sleep Well
Getting adequate sleep is an important part of wellness. It improves your mental and physical health, boosts energy levels, and strengthens your immune system.
It can also reduce stress, help you cope better with life events, and improve memory.
But many people struggle to get enough rest. They use electronic devices late at night that stimulate the brain, or they eat and work long after bedtime.
When you sleep well, you also make time to repair and grow, a process that helps your body build muscle tissue and protein synthesis. In addition, your brain can consolidate memories and skills learned while you were awake.
4. Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself is vital to maintaining a healthy mind and body. It’s important for mental health, too: Having a strong sense of self-worth and emotional stability can help you navigate stressful situations and big life changes.
If you’re struggling with your own mental health, always seek professional support and don’t feel like you have to handle it alone. But if you want to improve your overall well-being, take time for yourself and treat yourself with the love, respect, and care you deserve.
The key is to start practicing regularly and slowly integrate self-care into your lifestyle. Try going for a walk, listening to a wellness podcast, sharing your feelings with a loved one, or eating healthy foods for breakfast.
5. Stay Connected
Staying connected with friends and family is important for overall health. It can provide emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
Studies show that developing close relationships with people you know, love and trust, is one of the best ways to improve your mental health. It is also helpful to broaden your social network and range of connections with others in the wider community, which can help you to feel part of a larger, more supportive group of people.
Connect with friends and family through phone calls, letters or emails on a regular basis. You may also want to plan an occasional face-to-face meeting.