Many see the New Year as an opportunity to be introspective and rediscover how to improve physical health and wellness. In a previous post, everyday holistic health tips, we shared 5 tips to improve heath. Here are some additional ways to improve wellness. 

Make time for yourself

Upon waking many of us instinctively reach for our phones or turn on the TV. Instead, you can spend 10-15 minutes tuning into yourself by journaling, practicing mindfulness, or doing some light yoga or stretching to greet the day.  If mornings aren’t your thing, you could also try dedicating time in the evenings, even just once a week making time for a relaxing bath can help decrease stress and increase feelings of calmness. 

Take breaks from news

During the pandemic, hearing dismal news over and over again can be distressing.  By taking breaks from social media, TV, and reading news stories, you can decrease feelings of despair and allow your mind to focus on other matters. 

Embrace a new hobby

Studies show engaging in physical leisure activities for at least 20 minutes once a week make you less susceptible to fatigue. Additional research found that enjoyable leisure activities were associated with lower blood pressure, total cortisol, waist circumference, and body mass index. Such activities also correlated with higher levels of positive psychosocial states and lower levels of depression.

Repeat a mantra

A mantra is a revealed word, a divine sound, a condensed form of spiritual energy, or a compact prayer. A mantra, or tool of the mind, aids us in slowing down our incessant, unruly, and uncontrollable thoughts. Mantras employ the thinking mind instead of trying to ignore it or silence it. By repeating a mantra, you can overrule thoughts that are causing you stress and anxiety, eventually quieting these thoughts and replacing them with the mantra that helps your mind feel at ease. 

Check your posture

It might be time to replace a stiff dining room chair you have been using in your home office with an ergonomic chair or exercise ball. You can also do a posture check by sitting up straight, placing your feet on the floor, and tucking in your tummy to engage your core while you work. 

Engage your mind

Researchers have found that mentally challenging activities, such as reading, doing crossword puzzles or Sodoku and playing chess, may have a protective effect on your brain.

Bridge diet gaps 

Even though you’re eating right, drinking plenty of water, exercising, getting sleep, and taking time to nurture your mind, you still might be deficient in some essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to function optimally. Vitamins and supplements can help bridge gaps in your diet. 

Actively show gratitude

By making time to send a few thank-you text messages per month and/or writing a handwritten thank-you note to a coworker or friend once a month, you can demonstrate gratitude frequently. Studies show that that gratitude writing can be beneficial not just for healthy, well-adjusted individuals, but also for those who struggle with mental health concerns. When you write about your gratitude for others, it shifts your mind away from negative experiences, or toxic feelings of resentment, guilt or shame. Often we spend our time and energy pursuing things we currently don’t have; gratitude helps us appreciate the people and things we do.

From all of us at Healthy-Trader, we hope these ideas offer you inspiration and wish you a Happy New Year filled with peace, love, harmony, happiness, health, and wellness.