4 Easy Ways to Improve Your Daily Wellness
Let’s face it—after over a year of wine, reality TV, and carb-loading on homemade bread, we need as much wellness as we can get. From eating more nourishing foods to cutting down on unnecessary news consumption and getting a bit more exercise, we put together a list of ways you can live better year-round.
1. EAT CONSCIOUSLY
Without losing yourself in a number on the scale or crash diets, try to hit refresh on the way you eat. Keep your diet balanced by eating colorful and natural foods. A poor diet can lead to stress, lack of productivity, and lack of good sleep, says the Mayo Clinic. So, in order to keep living well, stock your fridge with foods that’ll nourish your body to give you the energy to stay active.
2. AVOID DOOMSCROLLING
Doomscrolling and social media go hand in hand, and it’s likely taken a toll on your mental health (and possibly your physical health—hello, tense neck muscles). This past year has only intensified the amount of time we scroll through social media and pay too close attention to the news. While some people can’t avoid social media due to their jobs, there are still ways you can avoid scrolling through it all day (or on the weekends). The Cleveland Clinic recommends setting boundaries for yourself. If you have to use social media for work or research, set aside time for it the same way you would any other work. When you’re done using it for the day, delete the app or log off the website, and then download it again or log back in the next time you need to use it.
3. MOVE YOUR BODY
Consider adding movement breaks into your day to break up your screen time. Here are a few ways to keep your body moving.
- Take a stroll or go for a run around your neighborhood a couple of times a day
- Find an activity that makes you move (bonus points if you love it) like tennis or basketball, or even give yourself a dance break in your living room!
- Take your meetings or FaceTime your friends while on a walk
4. ENHANCE YOUR SLEEP QUALITY
The Mayo Clinic recommends adults get 7-8 hours of sleep every night, but they also note that while the amount of sleep you get is important, the quality is even more crucial. Here are some tips to help you get better sleep.
- Stick to a sleep schedule
- Avoid larger meals, alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeine
- Create a sleep oasis: turn off screens or remove them completely from your bedroom, use soothing sounds to wake up and fall asleep, and consider room-darkening shades
- Limit yourself to naps under 30 minutes
- Add physical activity to your day
- Jot down what’s creating stress in your life and how you can overcome those obstacles before you go to bed
Don’t worry if you can’t incorporate the tips into your life at once. It’s all about moderation and taking small steps to improve your daily wellness.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
SOURCES
7 Tips to Live a Happier Life, Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-tips-to-live-a-happier-life
Everything You Need to Know About Doomscrolling and How to Avoid It, Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-doomscrolling-and-how-to-avoid-it/
Practice Mindfulness to Improve Your Well-Being: 11 Tips, Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/practice-mindfulness-to-improve-your-well-being-11-tips/#slide-8
Sleep Tips: 6 Steps to Better Sleep, Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379
