well·ness

ˈwelnis/

Are you confused by the numerous and extensive options presented on how to live a “well” life?  Traditionally defined as a noun, wellness was used to describe an overall state of being.

The state or condition of being in good physical or mental health.

Today, that has changed. Wellness is now a movement. A verb.

In 2015 wellness is defined as an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. 

Good News, this means that you get to decide if you are currently a participant. It is no longer a feeling or description, it’s defined by knowledge and action. Do you believe in creating a beautiful and nutritious lifestyle for yourself and others?

The active process of achieving an overall state of wellness begins in the mind. We cant anticipate everything that will happen in our lives, but we can determine where we concentrate our energies.  Too many of us throw out everything in our pantry and buy all organic labels, or begin cleaning our homes with all natural cleaning products in the name of wellness. While these are all great choices, we often make them for the wrong reasons. We are not aware of the balanced mindset needed to maintain healthy and fulfilling lives. Thus never actively becoming aware of why we make these choices. 

With all of today’s hustle and bustle a well balanced mind-set is more difficult than ever to achieve. It takes practice and conscience effort.  But it’s possible. Here are a few tips to start living a well balanced lifestyle.

Nurture yourself first

You must take care of yourself first before you can take care of anyone or anything else. It’s like being on an airplane and putting on your own oygen mask before you put on others. Some may see this as selfish – but it’s selfish not too. Burnout is real and a possibility for many. We take on too much, we don’t go to the gym, drink enough water, eat healthy, walk and engage ourselves in healthy conversations that make us feel good.  Remember – you decide where you put your energies everyday. Pay attention to what makes you feel good and make a conscience effort to do more of it.

Maintain a positive mindset

Whoa, this can be a hard one. But it all comes down to gratitude. I challenge you to be grateful for what you have in your life and be negative at the same time…it’s just not possible! Remember, comparision is the killer of joy. Emotional toxins are everywhere. Be grateful for what YOU have, Wake up each day with intention to make it a great day. Part of living a well-balanced life is learning how to deal with adversity, unforeseen events and uncertainty. If you practice not letting things get to you, you will not only learn to live a well balanced and less stressful life, you will learn to live in and savor the moment.

Live each day with intention

Many of us live with our car on autopiolet and our blinders on.  We don’t set goals or expect more from ourselves.  Start small and grow. Small goals lead to big victories.  Take your blinders off, start to see the world in different ways. Cultivate your dreams with knowledge  Be organized and plan ahead. Take time at the beginning of each week to assess what needs to be done. Make a to-do list in a planner or calendar for upcoming appointments, impending exams. or meetings to attend. Be sure also to allow for recreation and quality time for yourself.

I encourage you to find your balanced mindset and thus wellness. A balanced mind is something only YOU can design to achieve your highest potential.

Be well.

Kristen