As I keep learning more about wellness and incorporating more information into my practice, the more I realize how overwhelming it can be to not only stay on path but to simply begin.
When speaking with people about wellness, the conversation typically begins with weight loss and common digestive issues that they may be looking to rectify. Naturally, the conversation moves on to discuss the myriad of diets that are currently popular. “Which is best? Paleo? Keto? Vegan?”
For many, starting a new diet can seem daunting and having to learn an entire new system of eating can feel insurmountable. When engaging in these conversations with people who haven’t been in the game, I can see how quickly they begin to feel overwhelmed and even question the efficacy of some of these diets.
When beginning any venture, I think it’s important to have to solid vision or purpose. When it comes to wellness, the first step is defining what wellness is and means to you.
What is Wellness
Wellness is often connected to health, but they are not synonymous. While health refers to the brain and body functioning properly, wellness incorporates an overall sense of positivity, connectivity, and balance. Not only is everything functioning properly, but you feel great.
The Steps to Wellness
As cliche as this may sound wellness isn’t a destination. Say it with me, it’s a journey. As someone who has developed a strong interest in this topic, I would still not say that I have fully reached it. However, I am much better off than I was five years ago. Throughout this time I have been defining and redefining what wellness means to me and what that would like for my life.
1. Decide
Before you can pinpoint which diet to try or which workout routine to adopt, you need to figure out your end goal. What is it that you are trying to achieve? Once you can clearly answer that question, you can move on.
2. Research
Research how to best go about obtaining that goal. Chances are someone was in your exact same position, and they’ve already talked about it somewhere on the internet- probably on YouTube. A Google search can also lead you to various articles and health studies.
I have done this over time by following different health and wellness experts, listening to the interviews they conduct with scientists and other health practitioners, and by working with a personal trainer.
3. Be Consistent
Pick a path and stick to it. Consistency is key. If eating one salad doesn’t make you healthy, then executing your new routine sporadically definitely won’t get you to your goal. I know this is the most difficult aspect, but creating a system around a new routine or diet is the best way to ensure consistency. You can do this by meal prepping, working out first thing in the morning, sticking to your grocery list, or buying a bigger water bottle.
There are plenty of tricks out there, you just have to find what works for you.
4. Reassess
Once you’ve been at this new routine for a while, it’ll be time to assess. On his podcast, Robb Wolf, author of the Paleo Solution, put it best, “How do you look? How do you feel? How do you perform?” As wellness is all about a holistic approach to health, these three questions get to every aspect of the matter.
Are you seeing progress? Are the results optimal? If not, go back to step two. Maybe even reach out to someone who can help you like a personal trainer, nutritionist, etc.
This is how I’ve been able to cope with the inundation of information that pours out of the fitness and wellness industries. Hopefully, this helps. How are your journeys, and how do you define wellness?
Happy living,
TheWritingSol
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