10 Ways To Start Improving Your Well-Being Today
It's important that we have the tools we need to be in control of our well-being. One of the things I work on with my clients is understanding what they are doing to benefit their well-being. Often times it’s not very much. We come up with strategies and ways to incorporate more of the things that are good for their well-being. Here is a list of 10 things you can start doing today to feel fabulous. These are in no particular order. See what feels interesting and easy to incorporate. Don’t bother with the rest for now. I like to say, do what feels good and leave the rest behind.
1. MOVE
I know, I know. We all know that we need more exercise, but it's SO true. From a Chinese Medical perspective- movement is a way to get your qi flowing. Stuck qi is sick qi. If you're feeling stagnant, tired, cranky, or just down in the dumps, get moving. Go for a walk, do yoga, go spinning, learn tai qi, or have an impromptu dance party at home. It doesn’t have to be hard core, in fact, for a women’s metabolism just walking will be helpful. Just do something everyday.
2. MEDITATE
People always say to me, "oh, I can't meditate, my mind races and I can't sit still." This makes me do a double-take. This is the EXACT person that would benefit from meditation. Meditation is called a "practice" because that’s what it is, practicing how to control your mind and body without resistance.
Research shows that people who learn to meditate are calmer and happier. My best tip for meditating is to set a timer. Even if it's for one minute, set the timer and sit or lay down. You will build up from there. Some days will be hard, some days will be easier, but it's an on-going practice that will improve the quality of your life in ways you can't even imagine. If you do nothing else on this list, do this.
3. TAKE PROBIOTICS and OMEGA 3 FATTY ACID
Omega 3’s can lower high blood pressure, increase good cholesterol, benefit brain function and heart health. On a vain note, it will make your skin, hair and nails look wonderful. It can also decrease inflammation, which can be the cause of pain, digestive disorders, and many other yucky diseases. The list goes on. Western and Eastern medicine agree that a healthy immune system starts in the gut.
In an effort to keep your immune system working at top notch, you need to make sure your gut is working smoothly. Part of this is making sure you have enough of the good bacteria to fight off any nastiness. Taking a probiotic is a great way to do this. Unfortunately, most brands of probiotics don’t make it past the stomach, so be sure to get a high quality brand. My personal tip is to take the probiotic at night so the good bacteria have time to flourish while you rest.
4. BE CLEAN
Be clean in what you eat, the products you use, and in your environment. There is so much toxicity around us. It’s in our food, what we put on our bodies, what we watch on tv, even the people we surround ourselves with. It’s too much and it’s making us sick. Clean away clutter. Whether it’s in your house, your work or even in your relationships. It’s good feng shui to get rid of what you don’t need, it makes room for things that are good and supportive for you.
5. GET HELP
Let's face it, we can't do everything by ourselves. I guess we could, but why put the extra strain on ourselves? Getting support wherever you can is a great way to ease the load. Delegate tasks, get a cleaning person or share chores. I am a huge proponent of health support, whether it's acupuncture, reiki, therapy or whatever flavor of healing art you prefer. It’s a wonderful way to take time for yourself and will help energize you, so you can live your life fully.
6. DO THINGS YOU LOVE
What you focus on expands. So, I say, focus on the things that you love. Sometimes we get so caught up in what we have to do that we forget to do the things we love. This is what I refer to as being “luxurious”. Being luxurious is not about rolling first class, it can be, but not necessarily. It can be as simple as waking up 15 minutes earlier so you can enjoy your morning tea and read the paper in your favorite bathrobe.
Whatever it may be for you, make the time to really savor experiences in your life, then you won’t feel like life is just passing you by. Be luxurious!
7. BE WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE
We thrive when we are in relationship with others. Sometimes relationships can be challenging, but they push us to grow into better people. Studies have shown that people who live the longest and happiest are part of a community. Make space in your life for healthy friendships and quality time with family. Create your tribe.
8. BE SELFISH
Why is there such a stigma about being selfish? To me, being selfish means that you are taking 100% responsibility for you own happiness and I appreciate that. I would like to contribute to it, but I don’t want to be responsible for your happiness. That’s your job, don’t take it lightly.
If you aren’t doing what you need to take care of your mind, body and spirit then you aren’t going to be very helpful to anyone else. And, by the way, we want and need you to contribute your unique gifts to this world.
9. BE KIND
Kindness is completely under rated, in my opinion. Maybe your happiness is not my responsibility but I certainly don't need to make your experience any worse. When we do a kind act for others it makes them and us feel good. Kindness for ourselves may be a little more challenging at times, but the rewards are great. Do one random act of kindness today and see how that improves your mood.
10. LAUGH TILL YOUR BELLY HURTS
Even when it's tough, make the best of what you've got. Every experience has something to offer us. And it’s through difficult times that we often get to see a lot of beauty, love, compassion and kindness. Life has a way of offering us opportunities to grow and expand, ultimately to become more of our true selves. Learn to be light, take yourself less seriously, have more fun, and above all laugh till your belly hurts.
Share your best tips for well-being in the comments.