How To Get Into a Wellness Mindset

Beginning a journey of mind and body health is no simple mission. There are hundreds of articles, podcasts, and blog posts that will manipulate you to live a lifestyle that promotes their brand or increase their profits. Based on research and real life experiences, I've found that the wellness mindset doesn't have to involve all your time and all your money. Living a balanced lifestyle entails just that; a balanced life. I'm not asking, unlike some other wellness enthusiasts, for you to spend all your money and commit all your time to this. Instead, I want to encourage people who don't have the money or even the time to spend. Wellness should be incorporated into your life, not controlling it.

I have compiled a few tips to kickstart your health in very achievable ways.

Tip #1 - Get More Sleep

Sleep is is your foundation for good health. During these hours our body "powers down." If we don't give our bodies the rest it needs, we risk negatively impacting not only our day to day activities but also our long term health.

Try creating a sleep routine that you look forward to. I enjoy making hot tea and dimming the lights in my room. The dimmed lights signal "sleep time" to your brains, so you are automatically relaxed. If tea is not your thing, you can also create a "sleepy mocktail." I like combining pure cherry juice, sparkling water, magnesium and mint. Cherry juice has Theanine, a serotonin-boosting amino acid. Serotonin helps synthesize melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep. If you have magnesium, it is great to use at night, as it helps regulate the "calm" neurotransmitters. I use a lavender spray that I spray over my bed every evening as well. It is simply lavender essential oil and water. Maybe set aside time in bed to read that book you never have time to read, or to do some light stretching. Setting your phone aside, and not within reach, is going to help your brain log off from the busy day. A hot shower before bed is also a beneficial way to kickstart a relaxed state. A hot shower lowers your core temperature, as your body makes an effort to cool itself down. This lowering of core temperature is another signal to your body that it is time to rest.

Tip #2 - Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

A protein-rich and nutrient-dense breakfast is very important to start your day. Our body's circadian rhythm is reliant on cycles, including a food cycle. When you wake up and eat, you are alerting your body to start metabolizing and burn calories. You use the lowest energy when you sleep and right when you wake up. If you want to kickstart your metabolism, eating is the best thing to do. Read "The Breakfast Club" from my blog to get recipes for a fueling breakfast.

https://gracieidaly.wixstudio.com/gracefully-nourish-4/post/the-breakfast-club

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

Tip #3 - Get Outside

The sunshine on your face for ten to fifteen minutes provides you with around 1,000 IU vitamin D, almost double the recommended vitamin D supplement intake. Even if you aren't experiencing sunshine weather, it is still important to get outside and breathe the fresh air. Plants around you produce Phytoncides, an organic compound which can boost immune function in your body. You are more likely to feel social and productive when taking time outside. In Blue Zones, areas in the world where the oldest group of people live, there is a term they use called "Moving Naturally." This is a term that is incorporated into these peoples lives, moving should be consistent and sporadic.

Go outside while eating your breakfast, walk to classes or your work, open your window while getting ready for the day, these are simple steps to getting yourself outside. Understanding that sunshine is only prevalent for few months in some areas, getting fresh air is still encouraged.

Tip #4 - Move Your Body

It's amazing that something as simple as walking could have so many benefits for your body; heart health, muscle strength, bone health, mood increase. If getting to the gym is a challenge for you right now, walking is the next best thing. Moving your body regularly is important to feel your best during the day and to sleep the best during the night.

I like to bring either a nature's electrolyte water (lime juice and Celtic sea salt), coffee, matcha or kombucha on my walks as a motivation to get moving. I either listen to audiobooks or podcasts, or I bring a friend and walk with them. Try walking outside for at least twenty minutes, and you'll feel different I promise you :)

Tip #5 - Be Gracious With Your Journey!

Wellness lifestyles are about balance. Sometimes you will mess up and that is okay. Vacations, busy weeks, sick days, these can all affect our intended lifestyles. It is about having balance, that is the key to wellness. Be gracious with yourself, celebrate your daily achievements and learn from your past failures. There is so much to learn within this kind of lifestyle, and starting with these few steps can make it feel less daunting. Get comfortable with these new improvements in your life; be gracious and be disciplined.

Stay Nourished,

Grace