We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat”. This phrase can seem silly, however, in large part remains true. The cells within our bodies are, in part, composed of the foods we eat & drink, the products we use, and the environments we surround ourselves with. We are constantly absorbing all of life’s external factors, which is why it’s important to be mindful of what we’re putting in, on, and around our bodies. If you’re just starting out on your wellness journey and may be unsure where to begin, we’ve put together 5 tips that we believe will lead you to a healthier, more mindful life: Tip 1: Start Small As humans, we often take an all-or-nothing approach when trying to live a healthier lifestyle. When we can’t meet life’s beckoning demands all at once, it’s easy to feel discouraged and possibly give up. The key to building new habits is by starting small. Try incorporating 1 small change per week. Once you feel comfortable and have turned that small change into a habit, you can build from it and begin to incorporate other small changes, that will in turn create long-term habits. Tip 2: Get Moving Whether you practice yoga or simply go for a walk, exercise has been proven to benefit the mind, body, and spirit. Studies show it promotes blood flow to the brain and encourages the release of natural feel-good endorphins, which can help to increase self-esteem and confidence. Regular movement or exercise is also proven to relieve or reduce stress and anxiety, promote better sleep, and improve memory and cognitive function. Tip 3: Consume Wholefoods The foods we choose to eat also have a lot to do with the way we feel every day. Try to consume high-quality sources of energy such as organic grass-fed animal proteins, beans, legume, nuts, and seasonal organic produce. Organic foods and produce often contain more beneficial nutrients & antioxidants as well as less synthetic pesticides and chemicals than their counterparts. Tip 4: Make the Switch to Cleaner Products Just like the foods we eat, the products we use daily also have a great impact on our physical health. Many conventional products are filled with toxic ingredients like Parabens, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Alcohols and more, which can negatively impact your health. This can mean all your regular-use products, like cleaning, laundry, supplements, and beauty products, may be contributing negatively to the way you feel by irritating your skin or body, encouraging respiratory illness, and possibly even leading to cancer with prolonged exposure. Swapping out these harmful products for solutions with cleaner and safer ingredients is one way to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and live a healthier, more mindful life. Tip 5: Listen to Your Body Everyone is different when it comes to properly fueling their body, and what may work for some may not work for everyone. Creating and sustaining habits for a healthy and more mindful life can take commitment and time, however, it’s well worth it in the long run. What is most important throughout your journey is to listen to your body. Craving a certain food? Eat it. Ready for a second exercise today? Why not. Not feeling a workout at all? Take a rest day. Listening to what your body wants is one of the best ways to live a more mindful life. Don’t put pressure on yourself to complete one million tasks on your off days. In closing, we encourage you to view wellness as a lifestyle that is forever evolving. Some days will be easier than others, and no one’s journey will be perfect. Take it one day at a time and don’t give up. You owe it to yourself! *This is not medical advice. We recommend talking to your doctor before changing your diet or exercise routines.
