Summer is lurking around the corner, and the wellness buzz is back in full swing. But let’s face it, embarking on a healthy lifestyle can be overwhelming. With a ton of information out there, it’s easy to feel lost and confused, especially for us non-nutritionists and non-personal trainers. The truth is, a healthy lifestyle needs to be tailored to your needs, repeatable, and integrated into your current routine. As a coach, my goal is to help you boost your overall well-being, whether that means adopting healthy eating habits, starting a fitness regimen, improving your sleep, or making positive lifestyle changes. So buckle up, because I’m about to share some essential health and wellness tips that actually work.
Let’s start with the basics……what is Health and Wellness?
Health and wellness are like a superhero duo – they team up to keep you physically, mentally, and emotionally in top shape. It’s not just about eating kale and doing squats (although those are definitely part of it). It’s also about taking care of your mental health and social life. Think of it this way: good health and wellness are the dynamic duo that help you lead a happy and fulfilling life, so you can conquer the world (or at least make it through Monday mornings without wanting to hide under your desk).
- Choose a whole nutritious diet: Think outside the pizza box and incorporate a variety of fruits, veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats into your meals. Say goodbye to processed and sugary foods, and keep your alcohol and caffeine intake in check.
- Find a workout that works for you: Exercise isn’t just about looking good in spandex (although that’s a nice perk). It’s also about boosting your physical AND mental health. Find an activity you enjoy, like pole dancing or trampoline dodgeball (yes, that’s a thing), and aim to do it at least three times a week.
- Quality sleep is non-negotiable: Sleep is the ultimate beauty treatment, and it’s crucial for good health and wellness. Aim for seven to eight hours of shut-eye a night, and create a relaxing sleep environment (we’re talking fuzzy socks and lavender pillows, people).
- Be aware of your stress and what causes it: Stress is the enemy of good health and wellness, so it’s important to have some chill-out tricks up your sleeve. Try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help you relax and manage stress.
- Build your tribe: No, not your squad of Instagram followers. We’re talking about real-life connections with family and friends. Join a club, volunteer in your community, or just spend some quality time with your peeps to build meaningful relationships.
- Take care of your mental health: Good mental health is crucial for overall wellness, so don’t neglect it. Practice self-care (even if it means hiding in the bathroom for five minutes), seek support when you need it, and make time for activities that make you happy.
Hey you, yes, YOU! If you’re still reading this, you’ve already taken the first step towards a healthier and happier you. And that’s something to be proud of! But I know change can be daunting, so here’s a little reminder: go easy on yourself. Change takes time, and it’s important to be patient and kind to yourself throughout the journey.
Committing to good health and wellness requires effort, but trust me, the benefits are worth it. By making small, positive changes to your habits and lifestyle, you can improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being and lead a more fulfilling life.
Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Every little step counts, so don’t give up on yourself. You have what it takes to achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself. As I constantly tell my friends (in all areas of their lives), “you have to want to want it!” So keep pushing, keep striving, and keep believing in yourself.
In closing, I encourage you to start today and take that first step towards a healthier and happier you. And when things get tough (because they will), remember to go easy on yourself, and keep moving forward. You got this!
