Get YOUR Well-being On!

“Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It's about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them.”– Kristi Ling

The most important thing you can do for yourself is to make your well-being your number one
priority. 
 
You might be thinking, “Speak English, Nicole! What the hell does well-being mean?!? Are you talking about my health?”
 
Well, kinda! “Well-being” is soooo much more than your health. Our well-being is the foundation of everything we do (or don’t do) and the foundation of our well-being is how we treat ourselves. The truth is, you can’t show up as your best self if you are hungry, angry, annoyed, overwhelmed, in pain, tired…

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Think about your well-being as the things you think, do and say to give your body, mind, and spirit the fuel it needs to be its best.
 
Here are some things to think about…
 
Are you giving your body things to nourish it or cause it harm?
 
Your body can’t perform it’s best if you are not giving it what it needs to run efficiently.
 
Are you eating foods that will provide your body with the fuel it needs?
 
In today’s busy world people are running through the drive-thru to eat on the go and are refueling with caffeine and sugar. People are choosing foods that are convenient or that fill a craving instead of eating foods that give our bodies the vitamins and nutrients it needs to run efficiently.
 
Are you drinking enough water for your body to stay hydrated?
 
Many people aren’t aware that experts recommend that you drink half of your body weight in ounces. Did you know if you are thirsty, you are dehydrated?
 
Are you getting enough physical activity?
 
Our bodies are meant to move. Walking, yoga, cleaning the house…it doesn’t have to be a killer workout. Aim for at least 20 minutes of physical activity a day. Keep in mind “something” is always better than “nothing”- so on those busy days when you don’t have 20 minutes, do something to get extra movement into your day. Use the bathroom on a different floor, pick a spot in back of the parking lot, furthest from the door, take the stairs instead of the elevator…anything to get some extra activity.
 
Are you pushing your body too hard?

No pain, no gain is BS! If you push yourself too hard, you can do something that could cause your body harm. Please listen to your body, if it doesn't feel good…don’t do it! 
 
What do you put in your MIND?
 
You're a product of your surroundings. It is impossible to fill your mind with negative messages and live a happy and fulfilling life. 
 
How do you talk to yourself?
 
Your thoughts affect how you feel and how you behave. Do you treat yourself like your best friend or do you bully yourself? Our thoughts are freaking powerful so please practice being kind to yourself.
 
Do your surroundings energize or deplete you?
 
Your environment and the people in your life can either energize or deplete you. Being surrounded by drama or gossip can really weigh us down and take a toll on our energy.
 
I had a client that started her mornings watching Dr. Phil. She loved the drama and was entertained by the guests’ stories as she got ready for work. Often she would talk about how her day was filled with drama and stress. I challenged her to break up with Dr. Phil for a week and see if there was a difference in how her day unfolded. And sure enough, her days started going more smoothly. What you do first thing in the morning sets your tone for the day, chose to start it on a positive note!
 
Our well-being is also greatly influenced by those we spend our time with. They can affect our mood, our thinking, our confidence, and even our decisions. Chose to spend time with people who are positive, happy, and supportive.
 
What messages is your mind receiving?
 
I love a sit on the edge of your seat kind of movie or TV show, but I avoid watching things that highlight all the negativity, tragedy, and hate in the world especially at night.
 
Our subconscious mind processes what we consume before sleep more than any other time during the day so watching Criminal Minds before going to bed isn’t going to set you up for “sweet dreams”. Instead, try doing something relaxing like reading a book, journaling, taking a hot bath or engaging in some quality time with a loved one. 
 
What fills your cup?!?

We all have those things that light us up, fuels us, and recharge us - a walk on the beach, listening to music, singing, dancing, connecting with the people you care about. It’s so important to take time to do the things that light you up and fuel your soul!
 
My primary love language is quality time, so for me, connecting with the people I care about is one of the most important things I can do to support my well-being. 
 
A few months ago, I did some traveling to enjoy some quality time with my family, which started with a trip to L.A. to meet my new nephew! It was so fulfilling to love on that new little guy, having great conversations with my brother and sister-in-law, and spending quality time building living room obstacle courses, participating in lightsaber battles, and having cuddle-time with my favorite 2 ½ year old Stormtrooper. Then a few weeks later, I spent a long weekend in Atlanta hanging out with my parents, sister, and 18-year old nephew. You can probably imagine how much my cup was over filled those couple weeks.
 
Another guaranteed way for me to source my well-being is to drive with the top down, singing along to the stereo…there is something magical for me in feeling the sun shining on my body as the wind is blowing in my hair. 
 
What depletes you?
 
It’s also important to take a look at the things that weighs on you, drags you down, and steals your energy. What can you eliminate from your life that is not serving you, making you happy, or supporting your well-being?
 
If you read last month’s blog you know that over the last handful of months I did some extra spring-cleaning to eliminate all the crapola I didn’t want or need anymore. Eliminating clutter and getting rid of the things that don’t serve you is incredibly supportive of creating a healthy well-being.
 
Do you take time to unplug and recharge?!?
 
Then last month, I took my first solo vacation. I spent 5 days at the beach reading, doing some personal development, and goal planning while soaking up the sun! Oh and driving around in a convertible mustang!
It’s so crucial for your well-being to take the time to unplug and recharge!
 
It’s a good practice to check in with yourself on a regular basis and review your well-being goals. Celebrate what you are doing well and create new actions to practice in the places you want to improve.
 
What will you commit to doing to support your well-being?!?
 
 
Well-being Practice
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Take some time to think about the things that recharge you, lights you up, and gives you energy. Create a list 10 items that would support you if you did them on a daily, weekly, semi-monthly, monthly and quarterly basis. Consider scheduling some of these things into your calendar as reoccurring appointments. Track your well-being items daily and check off what you did and did not do. Keep it simple and measurable. And don't forget to HAVE FUN!!!