Ask Yourself These Questions To Improve Your Well-Being

With a new year, one begins to think about the things that make their lives a bit better each day – among those things is wellness. With this in mind, our experts share simple questions you can ask yourself to improve your overall well-being.

Why is wellness important in one’s life?

Our overall well-being and long-term happiness are intricately intertwined – each one affecting various aspects of our internal and external selves. Using wellness practices daily, weekly and monthly can improve your quality of life – mind, body and spirit.

What does wellness mean to me? 

With a slew of definitions offered on what wellness means to everyone, the most important question one must ask themselves is, “What does wellness mean to me?” An easy way to begin is to focus on the mind, the physical body and your spirit. Once you have defined what wellness means to you, the next question is, “What can I do to maintain each one in a healthy and sustainable manner?”

What are a few simple wellness practices I can try? 

An ideal start is to focus on your mental wellness using a number of practices one can master from just about anywhere. This can include meditation, simple breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices – all of which can be adapted to the pace of your life. From there, the next step is to focus on your spirit.

How am I feeling today?

This easy, yet powerful question allows you to identify what is bringing you joy and what is affecting you negatively. Write it down, if it helps. A few simple ways to enhance your spirit is to keep a gratitude journal, connecting with others who bring positivity to your life and taking time to enjoy activities that bring you joy. Your next focus would be your physical body which includes various aspects from nutrition to fitness.

What do I provide my body each day that helps it stay healthy?

Focus on the food you eat and what you drink. An easy what to start is to keep track of your meals for a week. At the end of the week, identify foods that may not fit the healthy lifestyle you are trying to achieve. Find recipes that you would like to try that would help you adjust to a healthier lifestyle. If you have an issue with drinking enough water, try setting daily reminders or infusing your water with fruits and herbs. Taking small steps daily or even weekly to adjust your nutrition will help you not only feel better but look better.

Am I getting enough rest?

All wellness practices would not be as effective if you are denying your body the rest it needs to replenish. The National Sleep Foundation recommends different amounts of sleep for each age. From the ages of 6 to 13, it is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers between the ages of 14 – 17, it is about 8 to 10 hours. For adults between the ages of 18-64, about 7 to 9 hours of sleep is suggested. Older adults, above 65, should be getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

What do I do daily to keep my body moving? 

Try selecting one or two exercises that motivate you to move. You can start with yoga or pilates and slowly move into jogging or running. The idea is to take 30 minutes to focus on your fitness at the pace that suits your lifestyle. If you feel more motivated when working out with others, try safely-distanced group classes that help you stay accountable. Find the fitness practices that you enjoy and make conscious decisions to practice them daily. This is for you. Once you have adopted a few practices that keep you moving, try focusing on caring for your body through self-care routines.

What do I do to protect and nourish my skin?

Select products trusted by estheticians and spa therapists to care for and nourish your skin. Simple additions to your vanity include a gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, and anti-aging moisturizer with SPF for your face and a hydrating oil or moisturizer for your body. Consistency is key when focusing on skin and body care. Make it a point each morning and evening to focus on your skincare. Following your daily shower or bath, apply a moisturizer or body oil. And we cannot forget your hair care.

What am I doing to keep my hair healthy? 

The practice of caring for one’s hair dates back to ancient times. Yet, many seem to forget it is just as important as caring for your skin and body. To improve your hair care routine, select high-quality products that match your goals and are trusted by the salon experts. Simple additions to your bathroom include a nourishing shampoo, conditioner, hair oil and weekly hair mask. Talk to your trusted stylist for tips on which type of products are good for your hair type.

With all of these questions in mind, the most important one to ask yourself daily is, “How am I feeling?” Let this question be your guiding light when it comes to taking steps to improve your well-being. For more wellness tips, click here.