Content provided by Good Samaritan Society.
All too often we associate wellness with hours at the gym and strenuous exercise. But wellness is more than keeping your physical conditioning in tip-top shape. It’s a holistic approach combining body, mind and spiritual well-being. Below are six simple ideas for beginning your wellness journey:
1. Multitask Throughout the Day
- Balance on one leg while you brush your teeth.
- Stand on your tiptoes every five seconds while you make dinner.
- Stretch during TV commercials — rotate each commercial break to stretch your arms, legs, back, neck, wrists and ankles.
- Stand up when you answer the phone, and walk around the room as you talk.
2. Have Fun with Chores
- Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes, and power clean one room. Stop when the timer goes off.
- Turn on your favorite music and dance while you fold laundry, put groceries away or reorganize a closet.
- De-clutter by giving yourself 15 minutes to find 15 items in your home to donate or throw away; try to find something from every room.
3. Get More Steps In
- Park at the far end of the parking lot and walk in.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Invite a friend for a round of golf — walk the course instead of using a cart.
- Go to the store and shop instead of ordering something online.
4. Lend a Hand
- Volunteer to walk dogs at your local animal shelter.
- Help build a home with Habitat for Humanity.
- Become a foster grandparent through Head Start or another local childhood educational program.
5. Take a Time Out
- Focus on breathing slowly and deeply for 60 seconds; breathe slowly for 10 seconds and then breathe out slowly for 10 seconds.
- Treat yourself to a digital detox by spending a day without your phone or other device.
- At the end of the day, take a luxurious bubble bath.
6. Find Time for Prayer
- Join a Bible study or prayer group at your church.
- Set aside time every day for meditation, reflection and prayer.
- Pray with meaning and purpose.
- Visit nursing home residents and offer to pray for them.
It is not necessary to accomplish everything on this list. Start by picking out one or two action items and incorporating them into your daily routine. Before long, you will be seeing big changes in the way you feel.
