A lot of the time, people think of ‘less’ when it comes to achieving wellness. They want to eat less junk food, drink less, and work on quitting smoking. However, ‘more’ is also a must when it comes to a healthier lifestyle. Even better, focusing on more can make it feel like it’s easier to stick to these changes.
If you want to make the most of wellness in coming years, treating yourself to more is a great approach. It can make you feel like you’re getting something instead of having something taken away—and you are. You’re getting healthier, happier, and will likely extend your life.
Here are six ways to incorporate wellness into your lifestyle by working on more:
1. Get More Sleep
Everyone knows it’s important to have good sleep, but yet Americans continuously pat themselves on the back for their lack of it. Sleep is tied to overall health and wellness. Studies have linked quality sleep to lower risks of diseases and healthier body weights. It’s also one of the easiest things to do if you understand its importance.
Practicing good sleep hygiene and making sleep a priority are both essential for getting to bed a little earlier. However, it’s not only the amount of sleep you get but the quality of it, that counts. Creating a bedroom that’s a sanctuary is a critical part of good sleep.
2. Eat More Whole Foods
Instead of focusing on what you should eliminate from your diet, think about what you need more of. Healthy, whole foods that are filling and actually fuel you will automatically help you eliminate less healthy foods from your diet.
When you’re craving junk food, there might be two issues at play. One is an addiction to chemicals and sugars, but the other is that your body is starved for healthy foods. Eat or grab a healthy snack before you’re ravenous, and retrain your body to crave what’s good for it.
3. Enjoy More Fresh Air
Exercise is important, but sometimes even gym rats aren’t giving their body what it actually wants. If you dread another session on the treadmill, go for a run or fast walk outside. Breathing fresh air is something everyone craves innately.
However, Westerners have created a space and lifestyle where going outside isn’t necessary. You’ll be surprised by how refreshing a walk around the neighborhood can be. It might even replace your afternoon coffee as a pick me up. Take advantage of the outdoors when you can, whether you incorporate it into your ‘official’ workout minutes or not.
4. Do More Strength Training
Women, in particular, resist strength training that actually challenges their muscles. Many are afraid they’ll look masculine or ‘get too big,’ but their lack of testosterone prevents this from happening. Others stick to the same strength building routines, such as dumbbells, without ever branching out.
Try yoga, Pilates, or changing modalities (such as kettlebells or fixed machines) to stay interested and keep your body guessing. Even if you switch up the movements and resistance, your body becomes accustomed to certain types of exercises. It’s important to shake things up.
5. Drink More Water
This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up other beverages, but that’s often a natural side effect. Water is the best way you can hydrate your body. It can help you eat less if you’re looking to reduce fat and it can improve every aspect of your body—including your skin.
Challenging yourself to drink a glass of water before having another beverage is a great way to incorporate more water into your life. Having a glass of water before a meal can also help your body gauge whether you’re thirsty or hungry.
6. Spend More Time Laughing
Laughing is linked to health, and with good reason. Get your laughs whenever you can, because studies show that adults laugh way less than children. Spend time with friends who make you smile, listen to a funny podcast or watch comedies.
Conclusion
Wellness is about a lot more than looking a certain way or eating kale on a daily basis. You can create your own definition of wellness by focusing on more and feeling like every indulgence is a treat.
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