By Kat Eftink
Global Wellness Day (GWD) goes beyond just a single day of healthy living. It’s a mission to transform wellness into a lifelong habit. Their slogan, “One day can change your whole life,” captures the potential of GWD to inspire people to prioritize their well-being and make lasting positive changes.
In order to turn wellness into a lifelong habit, GWD believes you should adopt these 7 steps. Remember, you don’t need to implement all the steps at once, but try a few each day. You’ll start to see a difference.
1. Walk for an hour
As simple as it sounds, walking for an hour makes you feel happy! Your brain releases endorphins which are natural hormones that lower stress, improve mood, and alleviate pain. Walking is a great introduction to exercise because it’s low impact, can be done at any time, requires no equipment, and you can go at your own pace.
2. Drink more water
We all know drinking water is important, but why? It helps with maintaining your body temperature, getting rid of waste, protecting joints and organs, and bringing nutrients to your cells. The recommended daily water intake varies depending on factors like size and activity level, but most health organizations suggest women aim for around 7-8 cups and men aim for 8-13 cups.
3. Don’t use plastic bottles
Microplastics can leach from a plastic bottle into the water, especially if exposed to heat or left for long periods. Plastic bottles also create a lot of waste, and they take years to decompose. Get a fun colored water bottle or decorate it with your favorite stickers. Use it like an accessory!
4. Eat healthy food
Food is the fuel for your body, and eating healthy gives your body the necessary nutrients to clear out toxins, generate more cells, and function every day. It helps prevent diseases like cancer or diabetes, and it gives you more energy to do the things you love. Some healthy snacks are fruits, veggies, popcorn without butter, or pretzels.
5. Do a good deed
When doing something kind for someone else, you are able to focus your thoughts and attention outwards. You’re able to step outside of your own world for a bit and lower your stress. It can be something simple like complimenting a stranger, giving a friend a flower, or even picking up someone else’s trash off the ground.
“The positive energy that you feel from doing a good deed can act on your body in much the same way that exercise does, releasing endorphins that make you feel good naturally,” Psychology Today reported in, “Helper’s High: The Benefits (and Risks) of Altruism”.
6. Have a family dinner with your loved ones
Sit down and eat a meal with your loved ones. No phones. No Distractions. Just the joy of each other’s company. Dinnertime is a time of relief from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can decompress and talk about the day you’ve just had. Plus, eating together often leads to better eating habits.
7. Go to Sleep by 10 P.M.
Studies have shown that going to bed at 10 P.M. lowers the risk of heart disease. Sleep is when your body regulates, repairs, and heals itself, so getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night is important. 10 P.M. may not be the best time for everyone, but the key thing is to try and go to sleep at the same time every night.
