5 Tips to Make Your Well-being a Priority

In the humdrum of everyday life, it is very easy to get caught up with work, personal tasks, and other responsibilities. And in trying to do all of these things at once, it is inevitably our health & well-being that takes a backseat, isn’t it? 

We often feel stressed and overwhelmed about all that is going on with life. And being pulled in so many different directions makes it tough to prioritise your health and well-being. Most often, we lead ourselves to believe we don’t have the time for it. But that’s not quite true. Personal well-being is a very important aspect of healthy living and it is something that we MUST make time for. Luckily, it isn’t as complicated as it seems, and even just a few minor changes in lifestyle and daily habits can help you make your well-being a priority.

Want to know how? Here are 5 tips to help you simplify and elevate your well-being everyday!

1. Every so often, remember to pause

Image credits: Brett Jordan

How often do you make the time to stop, reflect and introspect? If we don’t, it is easy to lose touch with ourselves. So it is important to slow down and take a pause every now and then. There is a simple practice you can try (some call it the Interstitial Ritual) to become more attuned to yourself. Whenever you finish a task (even a small one like replying to an email, or buying groceries), wait for a moment before moving onto the next thing...

And pause.

Take a deep breath, notice where you are, your environment, and how you’re feeling. Take a moment to be intentional about the task you just completed, and appreciate yourself for finishing it. Now take another breath, write down or make note of what you want to do next. Focus on what you just noted and then set an intention to complete it as you move into the task. Do this every time you check something off your to-do list – it will allow you to become more mindful of the big, and small, things you accomplish everyday!

2. Practice gratitude, everyday

Image credits: Lina Trochez

We often start to take our surroundings, our routines, our relationships, and even our connection with ourselves for granted. The moment this happens, we are sure to lose that sense of gratitude. So, every day (set it up as a morning or evening routine) take a few moments to note down things, situations, and people that you are grateful for and say a positive affirmation – something like, “I am doing my best everyday and I am grateful for ___ today”. This is an excellent way to connect to your inner self amidst your busy schedule and also take a few minutes to be thankful, everyday.

3. Cultivate a daily meditation practice

Image credits: Mikhail Nilov

You might feel that meditation won’t make much of a difference unless you do it for a long time every day; but we recommend you try it out for just a few minutes if you haven’t already, and notice the changes you’ll feel over time. 

Here’s how you can start if you’re new to it. Simply find a quiet space, plug in your earphones and play a guided meditation. Take this intentional time just for yourself and completely sink into the meditation. Focus on your breath, notice your thoughts flow in and out, and allow yourself a few minutes of peace. 

You can start with 5 minutes if you don’t have a lot of time or are finding it tough to focus, and slowly extend it as you become more comfortable. Daily meditation is a practice that, when intentionally cultivated, can make you feel much calmer and also help you focus better in day-to-day life.

4. Nourish and nurture your body

Image credits: Raul Gonzalez Escobar

Do you often find yourself reaching out to junk food when you’re stressed? It can be tough to always eat healthy; but it is important enough to try! You don’t have to go on a new, healthy diet right away. Making a few adjustments can set you on the path of a healthier diet. So, start small. 

Read food labels. 

Pay attention to what you’re consuming. 

Make note of all your meals, (and your snacks too). 

Try to choose organic, whole foods when you shop, and avoid packaged items. 

Once you make these simple changes, you will realise that a good diet can also help you sleep better and increase your energy levels. You might also want to put some thought into planning your meals and simplify your wellness journey this way.

5. Get your body moving

Image credits: Arek photography

There are some people who love exercising. For the rest of us, it can feel like a chore. And we get it, it can be tough to get into a sudden routine of activity. So instead, you should try to find activities you enjoy and don’t feel like exercise, but can still help you get your body moving! It could be walking, dancing, hiking, or even playing football. Try and focus on creating a habit of doing 1 physical activity a day. The trick is to find interesting and fun ways to incorporate exercise into your routine. 

When you make even the smallest lifestyle changes with the goal of making your well-being a priority, the results will soon follow. It may seem like a huge task at first, but taking the first step will make you realise what an enjoyable journey it can be. 

So, are you ready to join us in making a commitment to prioritise your personal well-being this year?