4 ways to boost your overall well-being and happiness

Wishing you could improve your overall well-being but not sure where to begin? Establishing sustainable, healthy habits can be much easier than you think. All it takes are a few minor tweaks to your daily routines and some self-compassion and patience to make a wildly positive overall change in your life and happiness. Of course, it always helps to know where to start, so here are a few ways you can wake up and live each day with positivity and wellness. Download Gratitude Meditation Practice

Start by Making Your Bed Every Morning

You’re probably wondering what making your bed every morning has to do with wellness? Well, it may surprise you to know that there are countless benefits to completing this chore as part of your morning routine. Rearranging your sheets as soon as you wake up leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and can help reduce overall stress. It also reinforces the weight that even the smallest of pieces of your life can have, especially in recovery. Even the most trivial of steps taken to improve yourself can have a significant impact on the rest of your life. So, start your day with making your bed to help all of your other new, healthy habits really stick.

 Then Fuel Your Day with Healthy Foods

 Your morning routine sets the pace for the rest of your day, and your morning meal choices establish the tone for your daily diet. Wholesome foods form the base of overall health and wellness. Studies show that having a filling, nutritious breakfast regulates blood sugar and provides the energy you need to get through a busy morning. Starting with a healthy first meal will also help you make healthier food choices as your day progresses. Try having a bowl of oatmeal topped with nutrient-rich fruit including  bananas or blueberries, or blend up a refreshing smoothie.

Establish Daily Practices to Benefit Your Body and Mend Your Mind

To truly achieve a positive, healthy lifestyle, you’ll want to dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to habits that keep you moving and keep stress levels down. Staying active helps your muscles, joints and bones stay sturdy and strong, and is key to warding off disease. Research also shows that activities like yoga, meditation and swimming, can reinforce positive mental health, in addition to providing benefits to your body. These low-impact practices can be especially beneficial to those in addiction recovery by improving focus, elevating endorphins and relieving boredom.
Yoga Download Fit and Fab Challenge

End Each Day with Gratitude and a Great Night’s Sleep

 As you wind down your day, try to find ways to really release the day’s problems and relax your body and mind. One of the best ways to clear your head is to start a journal to capture your emotions. Dedicate five to 10 minutes of your nightly routine to reviewing your day and be sure to leave space to write down all that you are grateful for in your life. Including journaling in your overall nighttime flow, along with reading and other relaxing practices, can help calm your mind, and will undoubtedly lead to better sleep. Sleep is absolutely essential for overall well-being. Find ways to unwind and get seven to eight hours a night.

Achieving total wellness in your life is attainable so don’t give up. You can make modest adjustments to your everyday habits and activities, which will reap benefits in your overall physical health and mental well-being. With a little practice, some patience and optimism, you can realize your wellness goals and find your most fulfilling life.
Guidelines for a Balanced Life: Pranayama yoga class with Les Leventhal

Written by Guest Poster Henry Moore –  henry@fitwelltraveler.com