Wellness, along with mindfulness, has recently become one of the latest buzz words in the world of health and fitness.
Wellness seems to be popping up everywhere and it is relative to all age groups. A whole new industry has evolved with wellness coaching, retreats and wellness workplace conferences all leading the new wave of wellness.
So first, let’s have a quick look at the meaning and definition of Wellness.
You would tend to think its meaning is quite self-explanatory but when you start digging and doing some research a number of different viewpoints rise to the surface; one that interested me was from The National Wellness Institute which has an interdependent model, commonly referred to as the Six Dimensions of Wellness. They even have an interesting fact sheet you can download which explains their theory so why not have a look.
When discussing the definition of the word they say the term wellness has been applied in many ways. Although there might be different views on what wellness encompasses, the National Wellness Institute, along with the help of leaders in health and wellness, shared many interpretations and models of wellness.
Through this discussion, there appears to be general agreement that:
• Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential
• Wellness is multidimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment
• Wellness is positive and affirming
The definition of wellness, long used by the National Wellness Institute is consistent with these tenets. Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.
There are numerous small changes (that offer big results) you can make to your daily routine to promote your own sense of personal well-being so why not start today.
These 5 tips are just an example of some of the simple lifestyle changes you can make to improve your body, mind and spirit.
1. Learn How to Breathe
I know this may sound strange or silly to many people but do you ever take the chance to just sit and breathe?
There are a lot of different breathing exercises you can do and even with just one short session of concentrating on your breathing will leave you feeling far more relaxed. Once you learn a few simple techniques you can do it at work, at home in fact virtually anywhere as a quick pick-me-up or calm-me-down.
Learning how to breathe correctly is great for stress relief too.
To learn more about breathing I recommend you have a look at this book: The Breathing Book: Good Health and Vitality Through Essential Breath Work.
Over time if you do this at least once a day, you’ll find that you feel calmer, less emotional, and just generally better. Meditation, which helps lead to Spiritual Wellness, is something I feel is also well worth trying and is a good time to try out your new breathing techniques.
2. Don’t Be So Convenient
Sounds a bit weird doesn’t it?
For some reason, many people feel they are too busy to cook a proper meal each day. This often results in grabbing a quick meal on the way home from the local fast food place or buying frozen dinners from the supermarket that can be thrown in the oven or microwave when you get home. While these shortcuts may appear to save time, ultimately, both are very unhealthy food choices and have bad long term lifestyle results.
Pre-cooked ready in a matter of minutes meals, processed foods and fast foods like Pizzas and Maccas are all loaded with sugar, bad fats, salt and dozens of other additives Grandma has never even heard of let alone is able to pronounce.
And to add more weight to the argument, all these convenience foods and snacks contain way more calories than our bodies need for quality daily sustenance.
Fast food also tends to be heavily processed, it is often deep fried in dubious quality oils and fats and the nutritional goodness for our bodies is practically non-existent.
Try to cut back on these unhealthy foods and instead cook from scratch.
It is not difficult to prepare a healthy chicken breast with vegetables on the side; this is a far healthier option for you and your family.
3. These Boots are Made for Walking
Instead of putting off exercise claiming you don’t have enough money to afford a gym membership, or enough time to actually go to the gym, just take a step out of your front door. You can walk anywhere and it is completely free.
Involve the whole family and go for a walk around the block or to the park if there is one nearby. There is absolutely no excuse for not going for a walk and you have plenty to gain from it too.
First of all, you’ll be able to enjoy some gentle aerobic exercise that will still give you a good cardio workout to keep your heart pumping. You will also be able to enjoy some fresh air, which is essential for the brain and muscle growth.
Make it a morning or evening ritual; you will start seeing the benefits in just six weeks or less. It is the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to improve your health and fitness.
4. You Need to Drink More
I’m not suggesting you go down to your local and get hammered; quite the opposite actually.
It’s all about water – are you getting enough?
You should really be drinking around eight glasses of water per day and if you don’t do that and you suffer from headaches, then I’m willing to bet you’re dehydrated.
It is amazing how this works. Next time you have a headache, instead of reaching for a handful of Panadol grab a full glass of water and drink it instead. In nine cases out of ten the headache will be gone within twenty minutes.
So every time you go into your kitchen, try to remember to have a glass of water. Whether you’re making breakfast, lunch or dinner or if you’re just grabbing a snack, using this as a prompt to drink a glass of water is an effective way to remember to stay hydrated.
Also, by having a glass of water just before you eat will help control your weight as well so there are lots of benefits to be had from a simple glass of water.
5. Get Plenty of Sleep
It is no secret seven to eight hours sleep a night is very important.
I am sure you will have noticed how refreshed you feel after good night’s sleep. None of that tired washed-out feeling you have some days and it also helps your powers of concentration for the coming day.
Sleep is also a chance for your body to rejuvenate itself, even though there is still plenty going on in your body while you sleep.
Being tired makes us emotional, stressed, limits our concentration, and even makes us more susceptible to illnesses. So be sure to try and get your seven to eight hours a night for the best health benefits sleep has to offer.
Follow these five simple little tips and you will soon find your new mind and body exercise routine will improve your overall health and wellness as well as having a positive effect on your appearance, both inward and outward.
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