Wellness may seem to be all the rage right now, but it’s more than just a passing trend. While there are so many interpretations of this word today, well-being is simply the sense of being happy and healthy. It’s how people feel about themselves on a day-to-day basis on a physical, mental, and emotional level. A person’s overall well-being affects every component of their lives – from how they engage with others to how they perceive themselves.
And arguably, personal well-being is more important than ever. Living through a pandemic has certainly taken a toll on each person’s life and sense of self. Additionally, social media has led to more comparisons between people, which can trigger feelings of unworthiness and low self-esteem. Of course, there are some things that can make anyone feel less than optimal from time to time. Keep reading to learn four things that can really affect your well-being.
1. Not Getting High-Quality Sleep
Most people know that sleep is important, but getting the desired eight hours can be easier said than done. Even hitting the sack at a decent time doesn’t guarantee one won’t be tossing and turning all night.
To make high-quality sleep obtainable, ensure your bedroom is set up well. Keep your room cool, hang blackout curtains, and place your devices in another room to avoid temptation. These slight tweaks may be the adjustments you need to snooze better.
If you think your sleeping woes are affecting how you live, you may be dealing with either insomnia or sleep apnea. Both of these conditions can leave you feeling rundown, fatigued, and sluggish.
If you think you have either of these, see your health care provider for an official diagnosis. They can help provide you with the resources – including therapies and treatments – you may need. For instance, they may recommend a CPAP mask, which can help those with sleep apnea breathe easier and sleep better through the night.
2. Not Drinking Enough Water
Hydration is of the utmost importance all year-round, not just when the temperatures peak during the summertime. Drinking enough water provides nutrients to your cells and keeps your internal organs in tip-top shape. Drinking half of your bodyweight in ounces of water is a good way to insure you’re getting the amount of water your body needs. So an individual weighing 200 pounds should drink 100 ounces of water per day.
One way to stay hydrated is to make it part of your routine. Fill up a large water bottle in the morning and sip it throughout the day. Add a slice of lemon or other citrus fruit to make it more enjoyable to drink, or try mixing in sparkling water.
Try to avoid over consuming beverages that will dehydrate you, such as coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol. Even after just a few days of being hydrated you’ll start to notice a difference in how your brain functions and how your skin feels too.
3. Not Moving Enough During the Day
It’s a fact: Human beings are becoming more sedentary. We wake up, jump in the car to drive to work, sit at our desks, and come home to relax on the couch. Even if we have every intention to meet our step goal, it all too often is pushed off for another day. Don’t let this discourage you. The trick is to add in movement throughout your day to feel more energized and alert.
To get your movement in, set a reminder on your phone to stand up at least every hour. Also, be mindful of finding ways to move more. Ask your partner to go for a walk after dinner. Ask your girlfriends to join you for a yoga class instead of happy hour. Humans are meant to move; they’ll probably enjoy it too. Movement doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be done to feel your very best!
4. Not Taking Time For Yourself
All people have commitments besides themselves, such as taking care of kids and performing at work. You also have to engage in your relationships, whether that is as romantic partners or friends and family. In the hustle and bustle of everything, it can be all too easy to bypass your self-care routines. But doing so is only detrimental to your overall well-being and happiness.
In order to prioritize your “me time” be sure to schedule it in. Think of it as a mandatory commitment to yourself, just like a work meeting or doctor’s appointment.
Block off time that works for your lifestyle and schedule time for something you enjoy, maybe before work or after the kids go to bed. Use this time to fill your own cup. Consider taking a warm bath, reading a book, or simply making a cup of tea.
Takeaways
Your well-being is crucial for your overall physical and mental health. Good sleep, hydration, movement, and self-care are all ways to boost your well-being. Implement these tips over a period of time to make them a habit. And always give yourself some grace because feeling like your very best self every day takes time.