Finding wellness within

Anu Weir
May 28, 2023
3 min read

I like to think about sustainable wellness, as wellness that we have built from inside out. As individuals, to be able to thrive, we’ve got to have different combination of strategies that work uniquely us, not our best friend, neighbour or even the super healthy balanced person we idolise. If you want to start a new wellness path, you feel like you are stuck or that you want to fine tune your wellbeing, it is important to stop and reflect before you move on to create a new, healthier and happier you.

When I talk about: balance in wellness, I am referring to a healthy equilibrium between the different aspects of one's life that contribute to overall well-being. This includes physical health, mental health, social health, and spiritual health. It also includes finding balance between pleasure and responsibilities. Achieving balance in all these areas involves making conscious choices and taking deliberate actions that promote good health and happiness.

One of the first things to do for a person who is seeking to find balance in their lives, is to peel back some of the layers in their current thinking patterns so that they get to the core of their inner being. In this instance, I call these layers our limiting beliefs: negative and often unconscious thoughts that prevent us from living a happy and healthy life. We might have inherited some of these thoughts from our parents and along the way we have created new ones but, in most cases, these beliefs are made up stories that have become part of our identity and no longer serve our long-term wellbeing. I believe, only then are we able to start creating sustainable wellness habits that suit our unique life and circumstances.

Physical health involves taking care of one's body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. I like to think exercise as physical movement and try to encourage people to find something that their genuinely like doing or at least can picture themselves enjoying it after some practise. Over the years, I have learned that deliberate physical exercise such as gym workouts, CrossFit, going for a run or mountain biking are not for everyone. Simply working in the garden, going for walks, and doing light resistance training at home is all person needs to stay healthy. Physical health would also include avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or drug use. Proper nutrition involves eating a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It has also become evident that highly processed foods, over consumption of sugar and eating too often are also considered detrimental for our health span. Adequate rest involves getting enough sleep and allowing time for the body to recover and recharge.

Mental health involves maintaining a positive outlook, managing stress, and seeking help when necessary. This includes cultivating positive relationships with oneself and others, practicing mindfulness or meditation, engaging in creative pursuits or hobbies, and seeking professional help if struggling with mental health issues.

Social health involves building and maintaining positive relationships with others. This includes fostering connections with family, friends, and community, participating in social activities, and developing effective communication skills.

Spiritual health involves finding purpose and meaning in life, connecting with a higher power, and engaging in activities that promote personal growth and fulfillment. This includes pursuing personal beliefs or values, engaging in religious or spiritual practices, and exploring one's inner self.

Achieving balance in wellness requires individuals to be intentional about their choices and actions. This involves prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and establishing routines that promote good health and happiness. By maintaining balance in wellness, individuals can lead a more fulfilling life and promote overall well-being.

My recently published book Balance for Life Guided Journal for women will guide you to make a long-lasting change in your own health and wellbeing. You can read through different facets of life and learn from 15 different wellness experts. If you are ready to take a step closer to a more balanced life, visit www.balanceforlifejournal.com