Wellness Wednesday: Easy Wellness Habits You Can Start Now

One thing we all have in common is that we live incredibly busy and often stressful lives. Taking care of yourself can feel more like a chore instead of a rewarding experience. 

Research shows that incorporating self-care promotes happiness, better health and longevity. Making small changes today in routine can impact your health in big ways tomorrow. 

Wellness is simply maintaining healthy habits and finding a balance between the mind and the body. 

Control What You Can And Let Go Of What You Can't

When aspects of our lives become uncertain, it can lead to an overwhelming amount of anxiety. If this happens, find something that you can control. 

It could be as simple as cleaning out a closet or a drawer. Whatever you decide to tackle, remember that you have control of that situation and can determine the outcome. 

Don't waste your time and energy on worrying about things that are out of your control. Accept that it is happening and redirect your focus on something that will make you feel better. 

Write In A Journal

Embracing the process of writing down your day allows you to recognize the positive and improve personal experiences. This practice was standard for such luminaries as Susan Sontag, Virginia Wolfe, Oscar Wilde, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. 

Make journaling a time of opportunity for reflection, self-discovery and goal setting. Express gratitude. Putting thoughts down on paper makes them meaningful and helps you visualize what you want to accomplish. 

Surround Yourself With Positive People

Having the right kind of people in your life can greatly impact your quality of life. The more you surround yourself with positive people, the more you stay focused on being positive. 

Data shows that maintaining social relationships is key to optimal mental health.

Make it a daily habit to rid yourself of toxic negativity that can impact thoughts and actions. Embrace relationships that foster and promote happiness and do the same for others.

Exercise In The Morning

There is a well-established link between exercise and overall well-being. Regular exercise first thing in the morning has a profound positive impact on mental health. 

Making small changes such as going to bed 30 minutes earlier and starting your day earlier can allow you the time needed to hit the ground running in the mornings. 

And if running is not your idea of a good time, then make exercise something fun and enjoyable. A simple 10-minute walk increases energy and elevates mental alertness.

 Keep Healthy Snacks On Hand

Develop a plan for when hunger strikes. It doesn't matter if you are working from home or in the office, keeping healthy snacks on hand helps you avoid reaching for a candy bar or a bag of chips, especially if in a hurry. 

Incorporating options with healthy proteins can help you feel full longer and keep you in a good mood throughout the day. 

Get A Good Night's Sleep

Sleep is one of the most basic human needs, yet it is one of the first things we do without when we are pressed for time. Unfortunately, there are long term consequences.

Without enough sleep, we compromise our memory, energy, stamina, and performance throughout the day. In addition to being cranky and tired, other health problems have been linked to lack of sleep, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Make The Decision

The path to better health and overall wellness isn't complicated. It begins by making a choice. 

Simply commit to one wellness activity a day. In as little as five minutes, you can give yourself the power to focus on you, to be more present and enjoy a healthy life.