Be willing to grow – Desire to be different
It’s the start of a New Year and at this time of year, many of us are looking at making some changes. I wanted to help you look at your overall wellbeing so that you can look after yourself long-term rather than for a few short weeks of New Year resolutions.
Have you done this before and found they don’t stick for long, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, maybe a month or 2 and then something happens, a night out, an illness, an emotional upset and you’re back to square one?
Let this year be different.
Look at the 5 areas of your life that need to be balanced for you to maintain those habits which can help you keep on track with the changes that you want to make. Remember, if you need help just ask.
Don’t wish for it. Don’t wait for it. Make it happen.
Why is it important? Because this is how you stay well, detect problems early, prevent illness and manage chronic disease. It’s all about looking after yourself, your whole self.
So what are the 5 aspects of wellbeing that we need to take care of?
Physical
Emotional
Spiritual
Emotional
Social
When we break these down: What is important for you in each of these categories?
Now, just let me be clear, I’m not talking about the things you ”should” have in these categories. I’m talking about the things that are important to you. Just you!
Self-care like this is not a luxury like going for a weekend away it is small steps taken every day that support your wellbeing.
Here are some ideas for each section – use them as prompts for completing your own wellbeing plan. Then over the year, you can work on that plan then you can make it a part of who you are.
Physical Wellbeing
- Nutrition – write a food diary, look at what you are eating
- Hydration – note down how much water you are drinking. Is it enough?
- Movement – get moving, start small, very small like deep breathing and gradually build
- Sleep – vital for your long term health, look for ways to improve your sleep
Mental Wellbeing
- Spend time outside every day if you can or at least by an open window if not
- Put a positive spin on things
- Use positive visualisation – it helps you stay on track and keeps you motivated
- Stay away from the News – most journalism is about catastrophising so only consume what is really necessary
Spiritual Wellbeing
- Get involved in charities, support groups etc., this helps you as well as the people you are helping
- Spend time alone – in quietness, meditation, prayer
- Read spiritually inspiring books
Emotional Wellbeing
- Be grateful for what you have rather than always wanting more
- Be creative – write, draw, cook, get gardening, sew, crochet, knit
- Read books – books that take you away from your everyday life, helping you to relax
Social Wellbeing
- Nurture your relationships
- Create connections – engage in face to face meet-ups
- Be kind
- Get involved – Contribute to your local community
Health is more than running or walking, it’s about balance. Put some of your energy into each of these 5 areas every day.
Give this some thought, write a food diary, keep a record of who you are seeing and when, take note of how you feel, write down any symptoms that you are feeling from any of these areas. Listen to yourself, your body and your mind. You matter.
The more aware you are of what is going on in your body and mind the more you can take care of it and improve your sense of wellbeing.
People come to me expecting me to address their physical issues, their blood sugars, their energy levels, their hormones etc. Many think that nutrition is all about the physical. Yes, a whole lot of what I do is that. What many don’t realise is that in order to improve your general feeling of wellbeing you need to address all aspects of body, mind and spirit. All 5 need to be in balance to really feel well on a grander scale.
If you know that you can’t do this on your own then join my Healthy Habits Club, a community that will keep you motivated and inspired.
