Good health is more than just proper diet and exercise—it’s an ongoing commitment to wellness. It consists of a triad of self-care that includes the mind, body and soul. Resolutions are meant to be broken, so instead commit to your own well-being and make a promise to yourself that you will thrive in this new year—in health and life. Creating an environment at home that feels like a spa is one way to make that commitment. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you.
Meditation for Your Mind
Once reserved only for monks and new age devotees, the concept of meditation is now as ubiquitous as yoga. With several apps, YouTube videos, social media accounts, articles, retreats, workshops, studies and classes (sometimes even offered at the local gym) dedicated to meditation, it’s obvious that meditation is working for millions of people worldwide. Merriam-Webster defines meditation as a mental exercise (such as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened spiritual level. Meditation can also simply mean a moment to clear your mind and the sense of clarity can be achieved in any number of ways. For some, running is their meditation, a time when the mind is cleared and endorphins are flowing. For others, sitting lotus style and staring at a wall while doing breathing exercises and chanting mantras is preferred—you do you! The point is to take a moment out of every day, whether it’s 15 minutes or an hour, to still your mind (even if your body is in motion). The benefits are worth it. If you’re interested in learning more or attending a retreat, try Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA: www.esalen.org
Culture for Your Soul
Indulge your soul in whatever cultures, hobbies and passions suit you. If music is your thing, consider going to more shows. If you’re a foodie, maybe you learn to cook a new dish. If you like books, try reading every day. You get the idea, but whatever your affinity, passion or hobby might be, indulge it. It’s so easy to get caught up in the grind of daily existence, but it’s important for your soul to stop and smell the roses sometimes. If you want to know more about the importance of culture and hobbies, check out this piece by Psychology Today titled “How Hobbies Impact Your Head and Your Heart”:
Exercise for Your Body
It’s easy to make excuses on why you can’t work out. And though not everyone has the time or desire to become the next fitness influencer, we all know that exercise is important for physical and mental health. Thankfully, you don’t need a gym membership or a personal trainer to exercise—with YouTube, Google and social media, it’s now easier than ever to work out at home. Our bodies are made for movement, so move it! You can try this 24-minute at home high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout: www.self.com
