We live in a world where wellness and the pursuit of health can look like a million different things. Fad diets, juice cleanses, Tik Tok workouts, and more. We are constantly being bombarded with messages telling us what the “best” thing is we can do for our health.
However, those messages got something wrong…they do not know what is best for YOU. It may not seem like it, but you know what’s best for your body and are capable of making choices that can honor it and serve it beautifully.
Does it ever feel like you have to undergo huge, life-altering changes to feel like you are pursuing health? (Hint: that is probably diet culture trying to take over.)
Here’s a little secret, little changes can actually have huge impacts on your day to day life and wellbeing. And these small changes are usually more manageable, more enjoyable, and more YOU centered. Here’s some examples of small things that may or may not resonate with your life!
1. Make friends with yourself.
Think about what you like to do with friends. Coffee dates, shopping, self-care nights, whatever! Remember how you listened to your BFF’s stressors and you helped validate and encourage them? What if you made the time to do those things for just yourself?
30 minutes at night to journal about YOUR stressors, pamper yourself with a bath bomb, and do a little online window shopping. Boom!
You are your own friend and you are showing yourself that you care about…you! (Here’s a challenge: for every stressor you write about, respond to it in a different color pen with an encouraging affirmation such as “You are capable and intelligent!”)
2. Make something from scratch.
Using your own hands to create something is empowering and a total confidence builder! This can be anything: a baked good, a scarf, a painting. There are no rules here. It can take minutes or weeks, but how neat is it to try something new? (And if it doesn’t turn out how you want it to…surprise! You’ve got another new challenge on how to improve your craft.)
3. Hone in on your food preferences.
Once again, we live in a society filled with “shoulds”. Are you tired of those? I sure am! Eating embodies so much more than nutrition. It’s also about ENJOYMENT. So, when was the last time you thought about food you love and are craving? How can you honor those cravings?
Next time you are grocery shopping, take the time to walk into the bakery section and see if anything just sounds good and delicious! Or when you’re out to eat with your pals, is that pasta calling your name? Challenge yourself to free any limitations you have and honor your cravings. It is self-care to listen to your body.
Avoiding your cravings and food pleasures usually just backfires, so dig in! Become a food snob and really take your time to save and enjoy your food. Is it as good as you remembered? Party in your mouth with each bite? Or was it overrated? Take your time with your food and check in with your taste buds.
4. How does your inner child want to move?
Speaking of listening to your body…when’s the last time you channeled your inner child and freely moved your body? With the hustle and bustle of our lives, it’s easy to pick an exercise and just stick with it because we don’t have time to explore new options or we feel like we “have to”.
Thinking back to your kindergarten self, you most likely chose activities in the moment and based on what sounded good that very second.
Let’s tune into our inner child – what sounds good? Is it a nice stroll around the neighborhood, a hike with friends, cleaning your apartment? Or is it putting on funky music and flinging your body around? All of these (and more) fit the bill. What sounds fun? Do those things.