I work with people of all ages, backgrounds, shapes and sizes and I can say that in my experience, there is no “one size fits all” approach to health. But, after immersing myself in the wonderful world of wellness for 35 years, I have noted some key things that can help support absolutely everyone in achieving improved states of wellbeing. So here goes:
5 small things you can start incorporating into your wellbeing practice today:
1. Hydration
Reduces acidity in the body, oxygenates cells, supports digestion.
2. Diet
You may be thinking “diet is not a small thing – it’s a big thing!” and it is. But here are some simple concepts that you can integrate into your eating habits.
Not eating late, Substitute sugar and caffeine, combining foods, Having good quality salt
Cut out the preservatives, food colourings and flavourings – because they are full of excitotoxins. When I first heard about excitotoxins, the first thing I did was get my family right away from them. They are non-essential amino acids stimulate or “excite” our savory taste buds making food seem more flavorful than it really is. These compounds are abundant in most processed foods and restaurant meals, and have been linked to brain cell death, infertility, problems with sexual development, violent behaviours, and hormonal disorders.
3.Reducing Stress
It always sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? But ideas and practices are different ball games. Some of my most favourite and freely available practices for reducing stress include emotional freedom technique, gardening, meditation, yoga, breathing and grounding myself. Because this is such a big topic, I will be dedicating an entire article to this, so stay tuned!
4. Sleep Hygiene
Having a stable sleep pattern is very important for the regulation of our hormones and the repairing of our cells.
- Sleeping in total darkness, with no artificial or natural light, and then looking at the daylight as soon as you wake up, letting the light bounce off the retinas of your eyes, stimulates your pituitary which governs your day and night cycle.
- Closing down computers and not looking at phone screens for at least an hour before going to sleep can avoid disrupting the brain signalling (due to the screens mimicking daylight).
5. Self care
Many of us who care for children, animals, partners, friends of family, often forget to nurture ourselves. Some of us don’t even really know how to. I recommend starting with the things that make you happy, and regularly incorporating them into your day. My favourite ways to care for myself are when connecting with nature, friends and family, and taking time for myself.
I am interested to hear what are the small things that you have found that have made a big difference in your life? Send me a message or leave me a comment – let’s circulate the wellness!