Ready to Start a Wellness Journey, But Unsure Where to Begin?
Starting a wellness journey can be an intimidating experience. It’s important to remember that it’s a learning process all along the way. The key to success is to take it one step at a time, try new things, and be patient with yourself as you make changes.
The new year is the time to make positive change
The New Year is a popular time for re-evaluating your lifestyle to embark on a wellness journey. It's a natural starting point for making changes, a time to leave the past behind and start fresh. This can help to create a sense of motivation and momentum for making positive changes in your life.
The feelings of hope and possibility help us forward to the future with optimism. Which is why this is an ideal time to set new goals and make plans to achieve them.
Positive lifestyle changes take time and effort, and it's important to be realistic about what you can achieve. The new year is not the only time to re-evaluate your lifestyle, you can do that at any time - so we're here to help you get started today.
Ready to Start Your Wellness Journey?
Helpful tips to get started on your wellness journey
1. Make a commitment to yourself
Start by writing down your commitment to your wellness journey. This can be a simple statement such as “I am committed to taking steps to become healthier and happier.”
Put this statement somewhere where you can see it regularly, such as the refrigerator or bathroom mirror, to remind yourself of your commitment.
2. Set specific goals
Take some time to think about what you want to accomplish on your wellness journey. Do you want to lose weight, eat healthier, or increase your activity level?
3. Track your progress
Keeping a log of your progress is a great way to stay motivated and to see how far you’ve come. Take note of what you eat, how much you exercise, and how you’re feeling each day.
4. Be realistic
Before you begin, it's important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Knowing that above all else, you are human, try not to put too much pressure on perfection.
5. Assess your current habits
Take a look at your current lifestyle and habits. Identify the areas where you can make positive changes to support your goals. This might include things like eating a more balanced diet, getting more physical activity, or managing stress more effectively.
6. Create a plan
Once you've identified the areas you want to improve, create a plan for how you will achieve your goals. This might include things like scheduling regular exercise sessions, meal planning, or creating a mindfulness practice. Make sure your plan is realistic and takes into account any obstacles that might arise.
7. Find a support system
Starting a wellness journey can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be done alone. Find friends or family members who will support and encourage you, or consider joining a class or online community. Having people around you who understand what you're going through and can provide support and encouragement can be a huge help.
Be kind to yourself: It's important to remember that a wellness journey is not a sprint, but a marathon. There will be setbacks and obstacles along the way, and it's important to be kind and compassionate with yourself. Don't give up if you slip up or miss a workout, just get back on track as soon as you can.
Good luck on your wellness journey!
“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit – the realisation that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.”
Is your wellness ecosystem is thriving?
A thriving wellness ecosystem is one that supports and nourishes all aspects of your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Here are a few indicators that your wellness ecosystem is in good health:
- Physical well-being: You have plenty of energy and feel good in your body. You are getting regular exercise and movement, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. You don't feel run down or constantly tired.
- Mental well-being: You have a positive outlook on life and feel in control of your emotions. You have a good support system in place and are able to cope with stress in healthy ways. You have a sense of purpose and feel fulfilled in your work and personal life.
- Emotional well-being: You feel emotionally balanced and are able to form healthy relationships with others. You are able to express your feelings in a healthy way and have a good sense of self-awareness. You have a sense of inner peace and contentment.
- You're taking self-care activities: You're making time to take care of yourself in various ways like stretching, meditating, journaling, doing yoga, hobbies, etc.
- You are happy and satisfied: You feel generally happy and satisfied with your life. You're able to enjoy the present moment and find joy in the simple things.
- You are growing and developing: You are constantly learning and growing, whether it's through education, personal development, or new experiences. You are open to new ideas and perspectives and are willing to step out of your comfort zone.
Thriving doesn't mean being perfect all the time but it means being in a positive state of well-being most of the time. If you're not sure about the status of your wellness ecosystem, it might be helpful to consult with a health professional or wellness coach to get a more objective assessment and guidance.
“Wellness encompasses a healthy body, a sound mind, and a tranquil spirit. Enjoy the journey..."
Is there science to integrated health-care?
Holistic integrated health is a approach that considers the whole person and all aspects of their health and well-being, rather than just treating a specific disease or condition.
The concept of holistic integrated health has roots in traditional medicine and has been practiced for centuries, but more recently it's gaining more attention due to the integration of more modern and evidence-based practices.
There is a growing body of scientific research that supports the benefits of a holistic approach to health and well-being. For example, studies have shown that:
Mind-body therapies such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness-based stress reduction can improve mental and physical health.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help improve mood, reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
Exercise is a powerful tool for maintaining physical and mental health. Regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve cardiovascular health, and boost mood.
Sleep is essential for physical and mental well-being, and chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Social support and connection can have a positive impact on mental and physical health. Strong social connections can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being.
Holistic healthcare practitioners often integrate Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and homeopathy, in addition to conventional medical treatments. Studies have shown that these treatments can be effective for certain conditions when used in combination with conventional medicine.
It's important to note that while holistic integrated health can be beneficial, it's not without its limitations and is not a replacement for traditional medical treatments, in some cases conventional medicine is necessary, and should be used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments as appropriate. It's also important to seek out qualified and credentialed practitioner for holistic and integrated health approach.