That 'wellness' thing and your REAL life.

A spa vacation might inspire you. A long, relaxing weekend might remind you. A book, a blog, a podcast might nudge you. You make promises about how you are going to take better care of yourself. You’re going to do things differently. And then real life takes over and you don’t make any significant changes.

 Annie Dillard says it best. “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

 So here are some tips on how to schedule wellness into your real every day from Parinaz Samimi, as seen in a magazine called Fast Company.

 

  • Get sunshine first thing in the morning

  • Gratitude. It helps you to spend a few minutes thinking about some things for which you are grateful as you start your day.

  • Exercise and then eat protein and fiber—enough to take you through to lunch

  • If you commute to work, use that time to learn something - listen to podcasts or read

  • During your workday or as you go through your daily ‘to do list’ be sure to prioritize. Consider setting at least 90 minutes aside for working on important things uninterrupted by shutting off your email and social media to avoid the distraction

  • Try to take a break for lunch and eat healthily. If you have been sitting, move around. If you’re an extrovert, find some social time of some sort.

  • That late afternoon slump is a real thing. Try to resist a sugary drink or an unhealthy snack. If you must have something, eat some trail mix, veggies with hummus or whole wheat crackers and cheese

  • At the end of the day, stop working! Leave your work or put down that task list. Time to socialize or, if you didn’t get your workout in the morning, exercise.  Whatever it takes to change gears, do it

  • Eat at least three hours before bed. Avoid high fat and high carb meals and try for foods that promote better sleep. Don’t drink too much.

  • Do something to relax before bed. A warm bath, a cup of sleep-friendly tea, a good book…Don’t do screens of any kind for at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light disrupts your sleep, even if you don’t notice it. If you must use a screen, opt for those that will turn down the light

  • When it’s time to sleep, make sure it is dark and cool in your bedroom. Don’t think about sleep… just breath.

Even if you start by following just a few of these suggestions, it will bring wellness into your REAL life. Good for you!