Are you ready to commit to your best year of health ever? If yes, increasing your overall individual wellness is the way to do it! Many people start off the New Year with specific goals that are targeted like losing 5kg or exercising more. These specific goals can actually be attained as part of a bigger wellness picture. True health isn’t only weight loss or fitness (although these are wonderful side effects!) it is about being in tune within your body, your soul, your mind and it all starts with taking care of yourself.
As a Nutritionist, I view health as holistic. Of course, real foods are an integral foundation alongside other important health giving factors. With that in mind, I’ve listed the 7 most important wellness tips to create balance and wellbeing. These tips will help you feel better inside-out and set you up for a high quality of life!
1. Focus on Quality Nutrition
No matter what your health goals giving your body the nutrients and nourishment it needs via whole foods is essential. We live in a modern processed world and our food choices often reflect this with junk and convenience foods taking precedent over real whole foods. Including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and quality protein while cutting back on the processed stuff will make all the difference in how you feel. Choose quality foods every time.
2. Get Restorative Sleep
We are all guilty of staying up late to finish that project, watch Netflix or scroll Instagram but at what expense? Sleep is one of the most important cofactors to good health and is fundamental to feeling more focused and energetic. Support yourself to get the best night’s sleep possible by switching off in the early evening and hitting the hay by 10pm.
3. Move Your Body
Movement is important for everybody (and every BODY!). Finding an activity that inspires you is key whether it’s going to the gym, hill sprints or dancing in your living room. Moving your body for 20 minutes minimum per day has proven health benefits.
4. Enjoy the Sunshine
Ever notice how your mood can sink into the doldrums when there is no sun? This is because your body receives the essential nutrient Vitamin D from raw sunshine. Vitamin D plays a part in hundreds of functions in the body, including mood. It only takes 10 – 20 mins of exposure in mild sunlight (morning or afternoon) to get an adequate amount this life giving nutrient. Of course, protecting your skin from UV rays is important but getting appropriate exposure each day will definitely help you look on the sunny side!
5. Get the Right Supplements
Nutritional deficiencies compromise our health and sadly most people don’t get enough of the vitamins and minerals their body needs to best function. Incorporating appropriate supplementation in to your health regime can help maintain wellness and restore health. Magnesium, Vitamin C and Zinc are incredibly important and often too low in most people’s diet. I can’t recommend enough to book an appointment with a Nutritionist or Naturopath to ensure you are receiving adequate vitamins and minerals and never missing out on what your body needs.
6. Spend Time with People that Matter
To soothe your soul, spend time with friends and family that fill up your cup. Avoid emotional vampires and choose those that enrich your life. Laughter and a sense of connection naturally helps you feel better and helps keep stress, anxiety, and depression away.
7. Find Your Passion and Your Purpose
If you struggle to find the meaning and purpose for your life, all you need is to look for your passion. Some even turn it into a rewarding career but even if you can’t, make more time to pursue those passions. By doing so, you’ll nourish your spirit immeasurably.
The key to wellness is taking a holistic approach. Health is not just weight loss or diet alone it is the combination of a few key factors. Focussing on the body, the mind and the soul gives you every chance to feel truly fulfilled in every aspect.
May the New Year be your time to shine naturally!
