You’ve decided to embark on a health and wellness journey and need to identify self-care activities that will help you achieve your goal. Implementing these activities ensure you improve on a continual basis, so you can reach a state of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Knowing which activities are best to do will help you to develop a self-care plan for overall wellness.
Self-care activities can include physical, mental and spiritual practices to obtain a balanced body, mind and soul. Participating in workout routines at the local gym Moore Park residents use to get fit is one way of getting physical while reading books stimulates your mind. Daily meditation or prayer is good for spiritual wellness.
5 Self-Care Activities to Reach Your Health and Wellness Goals
1. Create a Workout Routine You Enjoy
Physical activity is vital for a strong and healthy body but equally essential for mental and emotional health. However, if you’re not enjoying your workout routine, you’re going to resent doing it and find every excuse to get out of it! Fortunately, there are many ways of moving your body that are good for cardio health, muscle toning and bone strengthening.
Consider including any of the following fun activities in your daily workout routine:
- Power walks
- Jogging
- Hiking
- Dancing
- Canoeing
- Yoga
Want to try something new? Find out about local reformer Pilates classes or outdoor gym sessions to add variety to your weekly exercise plan. It’s also an excellent way to connect with other like-minded people in your neighbourhood.
2. Start a Daily Meditation Practice Before and After Work
Creating an early morning ritual that includes meditation is a wonderful way to start the day. You can head into work feeling calm and ready to tackle your daily tasks. Ending your day with guided meditation or deep breathing exercises will help you settle down for a good night’s rest.
Meditation helps you to slow down and focus while calming the mind. Incorporating deep breathing improves your meditating practice which is also beneficial for mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Some meditators include five-minute meditations throughout the working day to help them cope with stressful situations in the workplace.
3. Listen to a Different Podcast Every Day
Listening to a different podcast every day is a fun and stimulating way to learn something new and improve your personal development. You can listen to podcasts while you’re folding or ironing the laundry, washing the dishes or during your lunchtime break. Pick a range of topics to broaden your interests and discover inspirational speakers.
Use podcasts to:
- Expand your knowledge on various topics
- Motivate you to grow and develop
- Learn about a new industry
- Discover DIY tips for the home or garden
- Achieve your health and wellness goal
Avoid getting irritated by picking speakers that talk clearly, have a welcoming tone of voice and are interesting to listen to!
4. Get Outdoors Every Day
Getting outdoors is vital for boosting your mood, calming your mind and opening your senses to a range of sensations. If you live in the city, make an effort to find a local park or a street lined with large trees for daily strolls or power walks. Apartment dwellers can create a balcony garden to connect with nature every day.
Here are other ways you can get outdoors on a regular basis:
- Incorporate a lunchtime stroll during your working day
- Eat lunch outside
- Visit nurseries and plant something new in your garden
- Visit local botanical gardens
- Start a vegetable and herb garden
Spending a few minutes in the sun mid-morning and mid-afternoon every day is sufficient to keep your Vitamin D levels healthy and improve bone health. However, always check the UV radiation levels in your area before exposing yourself to too much sunlight.
5. Connect With Friends and Loved Ones
Social connection is important for overall health and wellness and helps you cope with issues such as anxiety and depression. Spending time with those you love will elevate your mood, especially if there’s laughter and stimulating conversation. Having regular date nights with your partner is equally important for maintaining your relationship.
Integrating self-care activities with your friends and loved ones can include:
- Weekend getaways
- Spending a day at a spa retreat
- Having long and leisurely meals at your favourite restaurant
- Taking a course to learn something new
Final Quick Tips
Restore and rejuvenate yourself by carving in “me” time, journalling, minimising screen scrolling and doing nothing (yes, seriously!) on weekends. Regular decluttering of your home and office space reduces stress levels while maintaining a healthy sleeping routine is vital for general wellbeing.
Did you know, staying hydrated, drinking green tea and writing down five “successes” every day keeps you physically and mentally alert and happy?
The more you integrate self-care activities into your daily life, the easier it will be to reach your ultimate health and wellness goal.
