Congratulations, you’ve made it beyond the halfway point of 2024! At the start of the year, you might have set certain resolutions to eat better, work out more, and take better care of your mental health.
With Self-Care Day coming up next week on July 24, what better time than to check on your progress?
If you haven’t got very far with your goals, don’t sweat it. It’s good to evaluate what’s working and what needs to be tweaked. With a bit of reflection, you’ll be able to make the necessary changes to help you get to where you want to be.
Bear in mind that your body operates as a complex system, influenced by various factors. From physical fitness to mental resilience, nutritional intake to professional satisfaction, every facet contributes to your overall wellbeing.
As such, it’s good to adopt a holistic approach to self-care, which means acknowledging the interconnectedness of these different aspects and how they come together. Here’s how you can recalibrate your wellbeing journey to achieve holistic wellness.
Give yourself a vitality boost
Look at your exercise habits and overall physical wellness. Are you keeping active or slipping into a sedentary lifestyle? If you’re feeling a bit “meh” about exercise, switch it up with new routines or enlist a workout buddy for added motivation.
Remember, physical health is more than just gym time: there are other components that contribute to physical wellness, to increase energy levels, boost your mood, and enhance productivity and vitality.
Adequate sleep allows your body to rest, recover and recharge, while stress management can positively impact your wellness. Consider scheduling a medical checkup, too, for valuable insights into your health status so you can make proactive adjustments.
How’s your mood?
Too caught up with everything else, we often forget to pause and tune into our emotional wellbeing. Sadly, neglecting your emotional health can lead to increased stress, burnout, and overall dissatisfaction.
If you’ve been feeling a bit blue, it’s OK to take a break. Whether it’s a holiday to reset, or a day off to do the things you enjoy (or nothing at all!), these steps prioritising your mental health are key to staying happy and resilient.
Nourish and thrive!
Did you kick off the year with a strong resolve to prioritise healthy eating, only to find yourself slipping off track? It happens. Ultimately, your focus should be on nourishing your body and enjoying the process.
“Eating well doesn’t mean dieting or depriving ourselves of the food we love. In fact, sticking to a strict diet tends to be the exact opposite of good nutrition and self-care,” said nutritionist Cynthia Jetan, who emphasises the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with food.
“Give yourself permission to eat the foods that make you feel good physically and mentally. Food not only provides our body with energy and nutrients but also nourishes our soul and boosts emotional wellbeing.”
Jetan suggests five foods to boost your happy hormones and enhance your quality of life:
- bananas contain tryptophan, vital for the production of serotonin and melatonin to regulate sleep and mood;
- pumpkin seeds provide magnesium, promoting relaxation and stress reduction for better sleep;
- tea – green or black – contains L-Theanine, known for calming effects on the mind;
- mackerel, a good source of protein, is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health and regulate your mood.
And best of all? “Chocolates release serotonin and endorphins, as well as improve blood flow to the heart and brain, improving concentration with the help of antioxidants,” Jetan said.
So go ahead and enjoy – all in moderation, of course!