Wellness is no longer just about being fit physically, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually. With the fast-paced lifestyle that most of us lead, it's easy to forget about taking care of our overall well-being. But, with more and more people prioritizing their wellness, it's not surprising that it has become the new buzzword.
Self-care practices are essential. Here are my top six self-care practices for overall wellness.
1. Meditation
Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you achieve a state of inner peace and calmness. It can help you reduce stress and improve your mental well-being. Meditation involves focusing your attention on a particular object, thought or activity to train your mind to become calm and still.
I personally don’t need a quiet place to meditate; I meditate at anytime, anywhere by simply just focusing on my breath. However, some may at first need to find a quiet and comfortable place to better focus for a few minutes without being disturbed. You can use guided meditation apps or listen to soothing music to help you relax. Try to meditate for at least five minutes every day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
2. Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining physical well-being. It improves cardiovascular health, boosts immunity and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. It also releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters.
You don't need to spend hours in the gym to reap the benefits of exercise. A brisk walk, jogging or cycling can be effective in improving your fitness levels. I aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day to keep myself physically fit and healthy.
3. Dance
Dance is an excellent form of exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. It can also boost mood, reduce stress and increase self-esteem. Dancing is a fun and social activity that allows individuals to express themselves creatively while engaging in a challenging and enjoyable workout.
This year, #DanceMagenta was the theme of Global Wellness Day 2023. It is a set of actions centered around dance, which has an increasing value within the international wellness world. To us, dance is the universe moving within you. To dance is to free yourself and to be one with the world. Dancing is getting away from stress, exercising your body and spreading happiness at the same time.
Dancing is not just a physical act. #DanceMagenta also means living your life while dancing with your mind. To dance, you don't have to be a professional, you don’t need to know how to dance, and you don’t need a specific place or time to dance.
4. Journaling
Journaling is an excellent way to express thoughts and emotions, and it can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being. It can help you gain clarity, reduce negative self-talk and improve your self-awareness.
I set aside a few minutes every day to write down my thoughts and feelings. You can use a pen and paper or use journaling apps that are available on your phone. Write down anything that comes to your mind, without worrying about grammar or spelling.
5. Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is all about paying attention to what you eat and how you eat. It involves savoring each bite, listening to your body's hunger cues and avoiding distractions while eating.
To practice mindful eating, try to eat slowly and focus on the taste, texture and smell of the food. Avoid eating while watching TV or using your phone, as this can distract you from the food. Listen to your body's hunger cues and eat only when you're hungry, and stop when you're full.
6. Gratitude
Practicing gratitude helps develop a positive attitude toward life, reduce stress and improve mental well-being. It involves focusing on the good things in your life and appreciating them.
I set aside a few minutes every day to think about the things I'm grateful for. You can write them down in a journal or say them out loud. I focus on the small things, such as a beautiful sunrise or a kind gesture from a friend, to help me appreciate the good things in life.
