Wellness = Winning
It is so easy nowadays to get caught up in immediacy when it comes to work, the needs of others, and daily tasks that always seem to somehow take priority over our mental and physical health. Somehow along the way, taking time to chill out and mindlessly watch TV or listen to music became “lazy,” and working 40+ hours being on-the-go from eyes open to eyes shut became a badge of honor. This all seems to gloriously come to a head around the holidays.
Even if I means that tasks take longer to accomplish, finding balance and maintaining wellness is essential to overall productivity, mental and physical health, and happiness.
1. Start Your Day Mindfully: Begin each day with a moment of mindfulness. This can be a multitude of things, from jumping into the Corefirst Stretch program, to performing your morning skincare ritual, to having a cup of coffee in your favorite part of the house. This sets a positive tone for the day ahead and helps you connect with your body.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is vital for your well-being. Hydration supports your body's functions and can improve your energy levels, complexion, joint health…you name it! If you want big improvement for not that much effort, this is your best step!
3. Nourish Your Body: Look, I know this isn’t the easiest thing, but think small. Try throwing in an extra piece of fruit or vegetable, and maybe making one healthier food choice per day. Tiny steps still move you forward!
4. Prioritize Sleep: A good night's sleep is essential for recovery and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest each night to rejuvenate your body and mind. Can’t get all the hours in? Take a 20 Minute cat nap!
5. Move Your Body: Any movement counts, but obviously we are partial to Pilates! We all know Pilates is a fantastic way to improve strength, flexibility, mindfulness, and overall fitness. BUT, it also energizes you! While tough gym sessions can sometimes feel great, they can also have you walk away feeling exhausted. Also, I personally find that I have more “mental toughness” as well. I’ve caught myself choosing to “breathe through” stress and challenging events, and… if I can do hundreds, I can do ANYTHING!
6. Stay Connected: Spend time with loved ones and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. On the contrary, if something (or someone) DOESN’T bring you joy it’s okay to say “no!” Protect your energy.
7. Hygiene and Self-Care: Prioritize self-care routines, such as regular showers, skincare, and dental hygiene. These simple practices can make you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Even when it feels like “too much effort,” sometimes that extra step can make a huge difference with your confidence and self-esteem.
In the end, it can sometimes feel easier in the moment to pull an all-nighter to finish a task or skip the workout because you forgot to bake the cookies for the holiday party… but if it means you’re burnt out and disappointed about another diversion from your goals, maybe it’s best to just get store bought!