Wellness Habits to Nourish Your Body, Mind, and Soul
In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to forget the importance of self-care. Last month I started incorporating healthy habits into my routine to regain balance in my life (link to month one). I started with small, manageable actions and will continue with this strategy in month two. Incorporating simple, yet powerful habits into my daily routine has been a kick start in the right direction of wellness and better health for me. In month two I’m exploring these new, key habits—nourishing my body, dressing confidently, completing workouts that I enjoy, and practicing self-compassion. Let’s take a deeper dive into month two’s actions.
1. Nourish the Body with Good Food
Food is fuel, and what you eat directly impacts your health, energy, and mood (the term ‘hangry’ perfectly describes my 18-year-old daughter when her blood sugars are low). A well-balanced diet filled with nutrient-rich foods can help you feel energized, improve your immune system, and even enhance your mental clarity. Nourishing your body doesn’t mean strict diets or deprivation; it’s about making mindful, healthy choices that work for you.
Focus on incorporating a variety of whole foods into your meals, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. My eating habits are well engrained into my lifestyle so to make changes I needed to put in a large amount of effort. But that’s OK! Starting small and reaching for veggies to snack on instead of cookies was my first habit change. I also decided to stop using salt and see if I even noticed. I didn’t notice a taste difference but my cholesterol levels improved!
2. Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Confident
Your appearance has a powerful impact on how you feel about yourself. Wearing clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable can boost your self-esteem and positively influence your mood. Clothes are not just about covering your body—they can be a form of self-expression and a way to showcase your personality.
It’s also important to remember that confidence isn’t about adhering to fashion trends (a mistake I recently made). It’s about feeling at ease in your own skin, which is why finding clothes that make you feel your best is key to boosting your wellness. I recently attempted to buy in to the baggy jean fad and purchased a pair of high waisted baggy jeans. I didn’t like them in the store, or when I got them home or the one time I wore them to work. They are now in the loving hands of the lady I sold them too 😊. An easy mistake to fix and I will continue to wear the jeans I feel confident in.
3. Do the Workouts That You Love
Exercise is a crucial part of wellness, but the key to making it sustainable is finding activities that bring you joy. When you enjoy your workouts, you’re more likely to stick with them, which can lead to better long-term results. Whether it’s dancing, yoga, running, strength training, or hiking—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness.
Find what excites you and makes you feel good. Luckily, I had a good exercise habit in place already and this is something I will continue moving forward. Our large dog requires a daily walk, sometimes two and although these ‘forced’ walks might have occurred through circumstances when we got a dog, they have become an enjoyable hour in my nightly routine.
4. Embrace Self-Compassion and Keep Moving Forward
Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to be hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. However, practicing self-compassion is a crucial aspect of wellness. Be kind to yourself and recognize that making mistakes is part of being human. Instead of focusing on shortcomings or failures, embrace your imperfections and learn from them.
Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same care and understanding you would offer a friend. I try to remember this statement when I’m feeling negative about a situation. What would I tell a friend? What advice would I give? Putting myself in the situation of offering advice to a friend has provided me with clarity and put me in a healthier mindset.
Remember, wellness isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong journey. Embrace the process, accept missteps, and don’t be afraid to take small steps every day toward your personal growth and happiness.
-Sarah Elchuk is a member of the Revenue Growth Team at Directwest
The information and content provided in this blog are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a health professional, and the advice shared here should not be considered medical advice. For any serious health, wellness, or medical concerns, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare provider.