Get healthy and improve your well-being

Let’s start by looking at the definition of well-being and being healthy-

noun: well-being

- the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.

adjective: healthy

- in a good physical or mental condition; in good health.

This subject is most certainly not limited to the 50+ age group... we should all be looking at ways to improve this area in our lives at all stages in our lives. However,as we age we really see health as our wealth hence this is of great importance as we enter this next chapter of our lives.

We will slow down both physically and mentally as we age and being mindful of self care is vital to enable us to enjoy the fruits of our efforts.

There are lots of aspects to well-being that are outside of our control, however taking some small steps using the following tips will help you on your way to a more fulfilling physical and mental way of life -

Keep hydrated - Water is oh so important. Drinking at least 2 litres per day will make a difference to you, your gut, your weight and your mind.

Keep a check on your thoughts - Be mindful of how you use self talk and what comes into your thoughts.

Start your day as you mean to go on - Not easy for many but doing something for you that you love sets you up for the day - meditation or stretching for 10 mins as you wake, go for a run, write in your journal.

Be active - Incidental or conscious exercise is vital for a clear head and to keep that heart pumping.

Be curious - Look for opportunities in everyday life.

Live in the present - Stop blaming the past.

Values - Know your values and live your life congruently.

Strengths - Find out yours and play to them.

Gratitude - Be grateful for what you have, how far you have come, who you are and what you give to others.

Keep learning - Pick up a book instead of watching that drab TV show. Take up a short course.

Give - Volunteer or offer to do a neighbours shopping/put the bins out/Mow the lawn - it doesn’t have to be a life time commitment - just give something back.

Feel your emotions - I’ve read a number of articles about this and I believe it so true. I follow a coach called Brooke Castillo believes this whole heartedly and I find her podcasts excellent.

Avoiding your emotions and brushing them aside helps no one. Give yourself permission to FEEL them. You might not like it and it takes some work either alone or with a trusted friend. You may get to understand why you feel the way you do and give yourself insight to find solutions.

Eat more whole foods - Ditch the processed food and look at foods that fuel you with feel good. Veg and plant based are great for your mental and physical health. Just adding an extra cup of veg a day will reap rewards.

Get more sleep - Easier said than done I hear many of you say. The outside influences such as children, location and physical issues can hinder your sleep. Try what you can to get a good nights sleep even if it means going to bed 30 mins earlier. Sleep is a blessing.

Social interaction - Being around friends is up there with exercise and nutrition for well- being if you ask me. Keep in touch and schedule regular catch ups with existing friends plus make an effort to meet new people in your everyday life.

Enjoy adding new and exciting ways to improve your well-being and ultimately your life.

Bye for now.

Dawn