Your Health Matters: 10 Strategies to Reconnect with Wellness

Mental health is just as important as physical and spiritual health, and together they all make up a whole: wellness. 

 

When we think of "wellness," many people picture a serene yoga studio, stacks of vitamins, or perhaps someone doing deep breathing exercises in the middle of a nature retreat. While all those images capture facets of wellness, the concept is much deeper, more nuanced, and profoundly personal. Wellness isn’t just the absence of illness, it’s a full-bodied, multidimensional approach to living that seeks balance across many areas of life.

 

Wellness is a conscious, deliberate process of making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. It’s not a static state but a dynamic practice of growth and adaptation. At its core, wellness emphasizes harmony within ourselves and our surroundings. 

 

To understand wellness deeply, it’s helpful to explore its core dimensions: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial wellness. Each of these areas intertwines to create a holistic sense of wellbeing.

 

10 Strategies to Reconnect with Wellness 

 

1. Exercise 

 

In order to have a healthy state of mind, it is important to always take care of your body, too. By just taking even fifteen minutes a day to exercise, it can go a long way. This can be anything from going for a walk to running on the treadmill or lifting weights. 

 

If you do this for 15 minutes or an hour, you are going to see a difference afterwards due to the serotonin and endorphins your body releases. Those chemicals can lead to a better state of mind, and even affect your spiritual health, and as a whole, you will feel much more reconnected and refreshed. 

 

2. Eat Healthy

 

To keep your mind healthy, we not only need to take care of our body by exercising, but also by making sure we are feeding it healthy foods. Processed foods can make us feel sluggish, and the amount of salt, sugar, and fat in those foods is not good for your physical health either. 

 

Some healthy foods that are good for your body and brain include fruits, nuts, vegetables, and protein. Our gut health is the key to keeping our mind, body and soul connected to wellness. 

 

Instead of eating potato chips, try eating some fruit, or nuts that are high in protein such as almonds or cashews. By curving those unhealthy cravings and feeding our body healthy fruits and vegetables, we can appreciate nature’s natural snacks and reconnect with overall wellness. 

 

3. Meditate

 

The idea of meditating to some people can seem silly or strange, and maybe even uncomfortable if you have never done it. However, if you wake up in the morning and want to start your day off in a good state of mind, it can be very beneficial. 

 

This can be done by sitting in a quiet space, relaxing your muscles, and by practicing breathing exercises while turning off your thoughts the best you can. 

 

This can be a simple seven-to-ten-minute process that will go a long way. After those short minutes are over, you will feel ready to take on the day. This can also be done at night before bed, when you want to calm your body and mind to get a good night’s sleep. No matter when you do it, meditation is a great way to improve the wellness of mind, body and spirit.

 

4. Make Time for Your Hobbies

 

While we are working adults and we spend most of our days on the clock, it is still important to make time for the things that make us happy, and even bring out our inner child. To reconnect with wellness, you should tap into hobbies that bring you joy and make you happy and to alleviate stress.

 

This could be anything from reading, playing a video game, writing in a journal, painting/drawing, playing a sport, or anything that makes you happy. By making time for our passions and hobbies, we will feel much happier and reconnected to wellness. 

 

5. Learn Something New

 

A strong way to reconnect with wellness is by going out of your comfort zone and trying something brand new. This can be uncomfortable at first, but in the end, you can at least be proud of yourself for giving it a try, and it may even become something important to you. 

 

Some ideas for trying something new can be anything from learning a new language, trying a new sport, or even going to a new coffee shop that you don’t normally go to. It can be anything—simple or big. This is a great way to improve your overall wellness. 

 

6. Show Gratitude 

 

There are many ways to practice gratitude, and by taking time each day to show gratitude to someone or even yourself, you can easily reconnect with wellness and happiness. Gratitude can be manifested in many different forms, especially by doing acts of kindness every day, or as often as you can. 

 

Tell someone you appreciate them, give them a hug, go to a shelter and volunteer, make a donation, and start looking at life through a more positive perspective. You will be surprised at how fast your life will shift into the light. 

 

7. Remember to have Compassion and Forgiveness 

 

This one can be a bit of a challenge if you are someone who does not forgive easily, but if you try to have compassion and forgiveness for yourself or others, the benefits for your overall happiness, wellbeing, and wellness are tremendous. We are not able to truly achieve wellness if we cannot forgive ourselves or others.

 

8. Help Others

 

By helping others overcome challenges and giving them advice on their own decisions and choices in their own lives, you are challenging yourself to become the best version of yourself, and to reconnect with your overall wellness. Helping others can be extremely beneficial for the people you help and also for yourself. 

 

Some examples of how you can help others include things like volunteering for a charity, offering to help elderly neighbors/family members with chores and errands, asking someone if they need assistance in buying food or essentials, they may not have the means for, and maybe even tutoring children and/or students in subjects you can help with.

 

9. Reflect

 

Sometimes it can be hard to make time to sit down and think about changes you want to make in your life—whether it’s due to having a busy schedule, or just not enough motivation. 

 

However, if you really want to challenge yourself to living the best life you want for yourself, it is important and essential that you challenge yourself every day, and that includes making the time to sit down, write out your goals and dreams, and reflect on what changes need to be made. 

 

10. Mindfulness

 

Just like the well-known saying goes, “think before you speak,” it is important to be more mindful. Being mindful is one of the best ways to challenge yourself to live your best life and reconnect with your overall wellness. 

 

Being mindful helps you stay connected to the present moment. Some great ways you can practice mindfulness before making any certain decisions can include practicing breathing exercises, reflecting on your day, connecting with nature, or journaling. The present moment is the most important time of your life because it is never going to be experienced again.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Remember, your mind, body, and soul are all connected and make up wellness as a whole. Take care of each one individually, and you will be able to live a happier, healthier life. Take control of your life again and get started now! 

 

Simple Creative Activities to Effectively Reduce Stress

This report focuses on how engaging in simple, creative activities can help alleviate stress and improve your overall well-being. Creative hobbies stimulate the brain, provide a sense of accomplishment, and act as a meditative practice. Learn practical ways to incorporate creativity into your life for stress relief and better mental health.

 

1. Relax with Coloring Books

 

Coloring books for adults are not just about filling in spaces; they offer a therapeutic escape. The repetitive motion of coloring can calm the mind and focus your thoughts. Choose designs that inspire you, and let yourself enjoy the process without worrying about perfection.

 

2. Try Your Hand at Journaling

 

Journaling can be a way to express your emotions and clear mental clutter. You don’t have to write a lot—simple bullet points or a short reflection is enough. Adding sketches or doodles can make the practice even more enjoyable and de-stressing.

 

3. Experiment with DIY Crafting

 

Crafting allows you to use your hands to produce something tangible, which can be both satisfying and grounding. Try simple projects like knitting, making greeting cards, or creating decorative items for your home. The act of producing something unique can boost your mood and reduce stress.

 

4. Cook or Bake Something New

 

Cooking or baking can be a creative outlet that combines sensory enjoyment with accomplishment. Experiment with new recipes or work on perfecting a favorite one. The process of preparing food can be meditative, and sharing your creation can spread joy.

 

5. Get into Photography

 

Photography provides a way to focus on beauty and detail, shifting your thoughts away from stressors. Take a walk and challenge yourself to photograph specific themes like nature or interesting patterns. This mindful activity encourages you to be present in the moment.

 

6. Dance to Your Heart’s Content

 

Dancing is an expressive and freeing way to let go of stress while also getting some exercise. Choose your favorite music and let your movements flow freely. It doesn’t have to look perfect—it just has to feel good.

 

7. Explore Painting or Sketching

 

Painting or sketching allows you to visually express your feelings and ideas. Begin with simple tools, like watercolors or charcoal pencils, and let your creativity flow without judgment. Even abstract forms can help release emotions and stress.

 

8. Listen and Play with Music

 

Music has therapeutic qualities that can help regulate your emotions and bring calm. Try learning a new instrument or revisit one you already know how to play. If actively playing isn’t your preference, creating playlists that fit your moods can also be a creative pursuit.

 

9. Create a Vision Board

 

A vision board combines crafting and goal-setting into one powerful exercise. Cut out images, words, or phrases from magazines that resonate with you and arrange them on a board. Assembling it can inspire optimism and help you focus on positive thinking.

 

Fast Action Steps

 

1. Create a Mini Art Corner

 

Dedicate a small space in your home for creative activity and stock it with basic supplies like paper, pens, and paints. Having everything ready makes it easier to get started when inspiration strikes. You’ll find it convenient to engage in stress-relieving activities without much setup.

 

2. Schedule 15 Minutes of Creativity Each Day

 

Set aside just fifteen minutes daily to engage in a simple creative task such as doodling, journaling, or crafting. Consistency is key to reaping long-term stress-reducing benefits. Use a timer or alarm to make this activity a non-negotiable part of your day.

 

3. Join a Local or Online Creative Community

 

Look for local workshops or online groups related to your area of interest, such as painting or photography. Engaging with like-minded individuals can energize your creative process and provide accountability. Plus, sharing your work and receiving feedback can be deeply fulfilling.

Making The Most Of Quality Time With Friends And Family

The relationships we have in our lives have a significant impact on our well-being. They help us celebrate good times, offer support during the bad, and fill our lives with companionship to help prevent feelings of isolation and depression.

 

Unfortunately, it’s always easy to maintain the relationships we have or develop new ones. We’re busy juggling dozens of responsibilities that we often put our family and friends on the back burner. Only when it’s too late, do we realize how much we’ve neglected one of the most important aspects of our lives.

 

Read ahead to learn how to make the most of quality time with friends and family so you never take them for granted ever again.

 

The Importance of Quality Time

 

We live in an age where everyone is seemingly connected via their screens. We scroll through social media like our lives depend on it. And we’ve convinced ourselves that by sending a text or clicking on a ‘Like’ button, we’ve done our fair share of social interaction for the day.

 

Yet, humans are social creatures. Starting at screens all day long is sort of the opposite of that, which is why a lot of research shows that excessive use of social media platforms is actually one of the biggest risk factors for feeling isolated, lonely, and anxious.

 

On the flip side, keeping in touch with friends and family does wonders for your mental, emotional, and physical health. This means talking on the phone each week and having in-person get-togethers.

 

Strong social connections make you less likely to suffer from high blood pressure, Type-2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

 

Another benefit of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people is that it lowers your risk of depression, stress, and anxiety. In addition, studies show that it can also delay the effect of cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer's.

 

There’s also the fun aspect of spending time with friends and family. You get to create memories and build strong, trusting relationships.

 

Here are a few more benefits to gain from quality time with the important people in your life:

 

• Improves your sense of self-worth
• Boosts self-confidence
• Encourages you to avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits
• Helps you get through challenging times, like an illness, divorce, job loss, etc.
• Increases your sense of purpose and belonging

 

How to Make the Most of Quality Time with Friends and Family

 

Possibly, one of the things that get in the way of connecting with friends and family is that we’re too tired. Staying connected means staying active, scheduling times that suit both of you, and coming up with things to do together.

 

Yet, once you make an effort, you’ll realize it was just what you needed to make you feel happier and less stressed. To help you get inspired, we put together a list of 30 fun-filled ideas you can try the next time you get together with family and friends.

 

1. Try out a new restaurant or coffee shop.
2. Sign up for a dance class.
3. Visit an art gallery or museum.
4. Plan ‘Game Night.’
5. Hire a rowing boat at a local lake.
6. Make a DIY list of things that need repairs or touch-ups around the house and go through them one by one.
7. Pick up a new hobby or activity together.
8. Plan a crafting night where you knit, crochet, color, or pretty much anything creative!
9. Keep track of important events in each other’s lives and celebrate them.
10. Organize a clothes swap.
11. Attend a TED talk together.
12. Host a ‘spa’ night and do each other’s nails.
13. Gather stuff you don’t want and host a yard sale.
14. Enjoy a Broadway (or off-Broadway) show.
15. Sync up your washing schedules so you can meet at the Laundromat.
16. Plan a getaway for the weekend.
17. Set up a home tasting party.
18. Visit a make-your-own pottery studio.
19. Try an Escape Room.
20. Go bowling or Glow-in-the-Dark bowling for even more fun.
21. Invite your friends or family over for breakfast or brunch while dressed in your PJs.
22. Organize a Swap Clothes day.
23. Go shopping!
24. Go to a karaoke bar or rent a karaoke machine and have a karaoke night at home.
25. See a comedy show.
26. Book tickets to the ballet or the symphony and get all dressed up.
27. Enjoy a ball game from the bleachers.
28. Go jumping at a trampoline park.
29. Brew some herbal tea, sit back, and relax while enjoying afternoon tea and biscuits.
30. Attend community events.

 

6 Hobbies For Physical Health

It’s an appealing idea to embody the Vulcan words of farewell, “live long and prosper.” However, navigating the creation of a long, healthy, and prosperous life can feel overwhelming, or worse, tedious. To combat this, it helps to make things that are good for us both accessible and fun. To that end, the following six hobbies for physical health have you covered.

 

1. Dance 

 

Incorporating dance into your life can be an organized event, such as taking a class, attending salsa night at a Latin club, or heading to a concert. However, it can also be more impromptu, like putting on music that gets you moving and dancing like no one is watching.  Regardless, it will be good for you.

 

A study for Complementary Therapies In Medicine found that exercise is as good as drug interventions for reducing the risk of overall mortality. In addition, they found that dance was a more enjoyable, easier-to-maintain, form of exercise that helps people to lose weight, improve flexibility, gain muscle tone, improve cardiovascular health, and convey social/emotional benefits.^[1]

2. Cycling 

 

You can ride a cruiser, invest in a peloton, downhill race, road bike cross country, or some other variation on the theme. There are many ways to cycle and each of them offers health benefits, a community of like-minded enthusiasts, and an enjoyable way to move your body.

3. Couples Yoga 

 

Yoga is good for you. Few would bother to argue that point. In this case, the more can definitely be the merrier. There are postures you can try with a partner that would be impossible alone. Plus, the social aspect reinforces relationships, another key component of overall health.

4. Running

 

The wonderful thing about running is that you can do it anywhere.  All it takes is you, a pair of shoes, and the will to get going.  When running in a new place, you see it in ways that you couldn’t otherwise. It’s immersive and personal. There’s also a meditative quality to it, an awareness of breath, gait, and environment that can firmly plant you in the present, enriching the moment and your life as a whole.

 

5. Swimming

 

This is an activity that provides it all: challenges, intensity, myriad variations, low impact, and immersion in a fundamental element. In addition, there is something comforting about being in the water, perhaps an unconscious reminder of the womb.   

 

6. Birding

 

Being in nature has been proven to benefit the mind, body, and spirit.^[2] When you add to this experience the mindful awareness of another species, the benefits multiply.  In a simple sense, you create a kind of treasure hunt as you attune your eyes to picking out new feathered friends. 

 

Each additional identification deepens and broadens your perception of the world around you. This connection increases your capacity to care for yourself and others by expanding your scope of care. Inclusiveness is good for everything.

 

The Takeaway

 

Making play out of the physical activities you engage in makes them more enjoyable and hence more sustainable over time. It doesn’t matter what you choose to do, what’s important is that you keep moving. Use these six hobbies for physical health as a springboard and explore some ideas of your own.  This is your adventure, make it a good one.

 

References:

1. Lakes, K. D., Marvin, S., Rowley, J., Nicolas, M. S., Arastoo, S., Viray, L., Orozco, A., & Jurnak, F. (2016). Dancer perceptions of the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits of modern styles of partnered dancing. Complementary therapies in medicine, 26, 117–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2016.03.007
2. Robbins, J. (2020, January 9). Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health. Yale E360. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health