“No matter how good or bad life is, wake up each morning & be thankful you still have one." Redd Foxx
Are you feeling a little low on energy? Perhaps you're experiencing stress or anxiety? Or maybe you just want to take better care of your overall health? Well, have no fear because wellness is here!
But what is wellness, you ask? Wellness is the state of being in good health, both physically & mentally. It's about taking care of yourself & making sure you're the best version of yourself. And who doesn't want to be the best version of themselves?
Now, I know what you might be thinking, "But K, I don't have time for wellness. I have work, family, & a million other things to do." Trust me, I get it. Life can be busy, but that's all the more reason to prioritize your health & wellness.
So, how can you implement wellness into your life? Here are a few tips:
Get moving: Exercise is a great way to improve your physical & mental health. Don't worry, you don't have to run a marathon or lift weights for hours. Start small by taking a walk around the block or doing some simple yoga stretches. Just get moving! And keep it up!
Eat well: We all love our soul food, but it's important to also incorporate healthy foods into our diet. Add some veggies & fruits to your plate, & limit your intake of sugary, fried & processed foods.
Take a break!: We live in a society that values productivity, but it's important to take breaks & recharge. Take a few minutes to meditate or practice deep breathing, core practices of the builders of Ancient Kemet. Your mind & body will thank you.
Connect with others: Building relationships with others is important for our mental health. Reach out to a friend or family member you haven't talked to in a while. You'll be surprised at how good it feels to connect with others.
Now, I know what you're thinking, K, those tips are great, but how can I improve my wellness in 2023?" Well, here are a few ideas:
Try something new: Whether it's a new hobby or a new type of exercise, trying something new can be exciting and beneficial for your mental health.
Get outside: Spending time in nature has been shown to improve mental health. Take a hike, go for a bike ride, or simply sit outside & soak up some vitamin D. (Your melanin will love it!)
Practice gratitude: It's easy to focus on the negatives in life, but practicing gratitude can help shift our mindset. Take a few minutes each day to think about what you're thankful for.
Prioritize sleep: Sleep is crucial for our overall health, yet it's often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy, increasing stress & chances of a host of issues. Make it a priority to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Now, I know this might all sound a little overwhelming, but just remember that wellness is a journey, not a destination. Small steps can lead to big changes, & taking care of yourself is worth it. Plus, think about all the amazing things you'll be able to accomplish when you're feeling your best!
In case you need a little extra motivation, remember the wise words of the great Maya Angelou, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." Lets thrive together!
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