What is Wellness? As a holistic health coach, yoga teacher and blogger, I get asked this question quite a bit. I think it is a term we all know quite well, but perhaps we don’t really think about what ‘wellness’ really means.
When I think about living in wellness I imagine that each individual is like a puzzle. And when that individual is feeling mentally and physically strong, healthy and happy in all areas of their life – holistically – then all the little pieces that make up that puzzle, the individual, would work in harmony. There wouldn’t be any bent corners, or peeling away edges, and everything would fit just as it should.
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Quite simply, the definition of wellness is when most of the various elements of your life from the food you eat, the movement you enjoy, career, finances, relationships (and on it goes, you get the picture) are bringing you happiness, health and contentment. In short, you’re finding happiness in all things.
I know it seems impossible to have everything ‘just perfect’, the reality is no one expects you to. What is possible is taking the time out to drip-feed changes into your life that cultivate and create a little more balance. There is no quick road to living in wellness, but what you might discover is that just by simply taking the time to refocus your energy towards you — the way you live, eat, breath, think — will create the space to make positive changes and kick-start your path to overall wellness.
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Here are 10 easy lifestyle changes that invite balance and wellness into your life.
1. Nutrition
Look at the food you put into your body. Notice the connection and the affect certain foods have on your body, state of mind and your moods. Start to respect your body as the amazing bio-computer that it is and nourish it with fresh fruit and vegetables, water and wholefoods.
2. Daily exercise
Diarise exercise into your daily life and make it ‘unchange-able’. Experiment with an exercise routine that works for you. Try exercise trends such as yoga, pilates, martial arts, walking, running – anything! And keep trying until you connect with something and are driven to it often.
3. Mindful eating
Take your attention to your meal and away from distractions. Chew your food well and savour it. You might find you are full on less food.
4. A morning routine
Start with a hot towel scrub in the shower to increase your circulation and awaken the body. Then prepare the mind for the day. Sit in a quiet space to meditate, journal, read, listen to your favourite song or just be still.
5. Generosity
Give generously of yourself and your resources. You might find that the more you put yourself out there and help others that you will reap the karmic rewards.
6. Gratitute
View everything and everyone you meet with gratitude and live each day happily without focusing too much on your problems. If you can’t change or leave the problem, don’t indulge it, accept it and move on, it’s the only way!
7. Laughter
Fostering a sense of humour really helps de-stress almost every situation!
8. Kindness
Do your best to be on good terms with people, especially those closest to you. Don’t save up all the day’s negativity to dump on the people that care the most. Communicate with them regularly, openly, honestly and with clarity instead of irrationally. Maybe send a little ‘love’ text to someone you care about, just because you can! You’ll be surprised at the power of your kind words.
9. Breath
We take our breath for granted. Inhale. Exhale. Our body does this without question. But what about the quality of our breath? Take the time to focus on your breath, listen to it, feel it and slow it down. Become mindful of stressful moments in life when your breath becomes short and sharp and consciously slow the breath down.
10. Positivity
Create a positive attitude and wonderful environment around you, and enjoy the process of becoming healthier and happier every step of the way!
Claire Obeid is the creator of The Wellness Project thewellnessproject.net.au — a holistic health coaching practice that aims to support individuals in reaching true balance, health and happiness… ultimately to live in wellness.
Are you interested in improving your life balance and living in wellness. What action are you going to take?
