7 Wellness Tips to Reduce Stress and Be Your Best Self
If you want to live healthier, worry less and be the best version of yourself, it takes commitment, and sometimes a miracle! Between all that we juggle as women, it can feel like there isn’t enough time in the day to balance being our best, but these tips will help you do just that.
1. Start the day off right.
How you spend the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day, so start it off with a positive note. Whether that’s prayer and gratitude, a workout to get the blood flowing, getting up early to watch the sunrise, or all three, what you do in the morning will determine how you show up the rest of the day.
Not a morning person? No problem! Just make sure you create a morning routine that makes you look forward to waking up. Try easing into the day if you can by not scheduling anything too early, and do what brings a smile to your face. If it’s music and dancing, have a dance party in your PJs (which also counts as cardio, right?). Whatever you decide, remember that wellness is not one size fits all, so give yourself and your body what you need most to start the day with a positive attitude.
2. Protect your mindset.
How many times have you had a negative thought that spiraled into fear, worry or doubt? You’re not alone. But the good news is that you can control what you think, just like you can control how you feel. The key, is training your mind to think on things that are beneficial and uplifting, rather than negative and doubtful. One way to do this is by speaking affirmations out loud over yourself, your mind and your body.
Try saying ‘I am capable’ and ‘I am beautiful’ out loud right now. Now, say it like you mean it! Words have power and what we speak becomes what we create. If you find yourself thinking negative, replace those thoughts with positive words, and watch what happens. This of course if not an overnight thing, so train your mind by developing a practice of saying affirmations. If you find yourself thinking negatively in the morning, or in a bad mood when you wake up, add this to your morning routine!
3. Do something creative.
Remember how relaxing it used to be to color as a kid? That’s because coloring has the ability to relax the fear center of the brain, called the amygdala. It reduces the thoughts of a restless mind, and generates mindfulness, which can help reduce stress and be more present. Coloring also opens up the frontal lobe of the brain, which controls organizing and problem solving, and makes you more focused and attentive.
4. Reduce screen time.
This includes social media and television. We know, sounds drastic. But the truth is that endless scrolling on social sites or binge watching weekend after weekend can actually cause depression and anxiety. And if that weren’t bad enough, a recent study from Northwestern Medicine found that binge watching also impacts your ability to sleep, leaving you tired and drained the next day.
5. Get up and get moving.
Go for a walk, go outside and play with the kids, hit the gym, just get up and do something sis! Physical activity is a game changer in boosting your mood and helping you be more productive. When you exercise, your body releases dopamine and endorphins that make you feel happy while also getting rid of chemicals in your brain that can make you feel stressed and anxious. Not to mention, a good sweat can help your skin glow naturally!
6. Do something today that your future self will thank you for.
We’ve all heard this saying a million times, but it’s so powerful. Working toward your goals can help with your overall mood and build self esteem. Conversely, procrastination undermines our happiness and satisfaction with life. Now of course, just like with anything in life, it’s important to remember that accomplishing goals is a process and doesn’t happen overnight, but small actions each day lead to big results - and a more fulfilled life.
7. Try something new.
Whether it’s a new style, trying something new with your hair or makeup, or even just driving a different route to the grocery store, trying something new can shake you out of your normal routine and give you a much needed boost. Okay, maybe this one isn’t as scientific as some of our other tips but sometimes the motivation you need is right on the other side of your comfort zone.
