We’re bombarded on the daily with info, tips, and life hacks on what to eat and the best exercise to lose that tummy flab. This wellness fuelled content-shock is causing many to reject the idea of wellness and the lifestyle it dictates. We’ve officially reached the eye-roll stage, with a recent poll declaring wellness one of the most tedious topics.
We all know the value that wellness brings to our day-to-day lives, but it’s tough to hold down a full-time job, train, make homemade green juice, and meditate each day! So, if the overwhelming amount of ‘rules’ on how to be healthy and happy makes you anxious, it’s time to simplify.
The whole point of wellness is that it should become so effortless that you forget about pursuing it; living a positive and healthy lifestyle should become a given rather than something singled out as spectacular and worth applauding on Instagram.
Of course, healthy living can incorporate all of the trends (if you want it to), but it doesn’t have to be defined by grandiose displays of health and fitness. So much of healthy living is made up of small things we do daily – things that don’t feel momentous but, if done consistently and over time, add up to provide big results.
Choose a few small daily changes from our healthy living list that could add a dose of enjoyment and wellness to your everyday:
- Start your day with a glass of water. Re-hydrating aids digestion, enhances skin health and boosts energy. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket in the safety of your home while looking at the blossoming trees … take a moment before the day starts. Don’t give up coffee, but be mindful of when and how you drink it.
- End your showers with 30 seconds of cold water. It has the ability to tone the autonomic nervous system ranging from inflammation reduction, accelerated tissue repair, and increased circulation.
- Get some sunlight. Reap the benefits from 7 to 9 am instead of later in the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Aside from building bones, Vitamin D plays a significant role in strengthening our immune system. Sunlight also helps to regulate your circadian rhythm. Misalignment of the circadian rhythm throws off your sleep/wake cycle and impairs your ability to handle stress. Sunlight also increases serotonin, the feel-good hormone that helps us feel calm and focused.
- Ground yourself. It requires minimum effort and can be as simple as sitting, standing or walking barefoot outdoors for a few minutes daily. People who practise grounding have reported improved conditions such as fatigue, anxiety and depression.
- Fill your house with houseplants. Research shows that they improve mood, creativity and problem-solving.
- Floss your teeth. Not only does flossing daily protect your teeth and gums, but good dental health is essential for immunity and heart health.
- Spend time with your partner. It boosts immune function, lowers blood pressure, promotes better sleep, eases stress and anxiety, and decreases the risk of heart disease. Enough said!
One reason people resist change is that they focus on what they have to give up.
So, start small; create healthy habits, not restrictions.
Source: hopkinsmedicine.org, vogue.co.uk, fourwellness.co.za, luxiders.com, shop.projecthappiness.org, entrepreneur.com, forbes.com, thegoodtrade.com, onegreenplanet.org
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
