Is Your Well Being a Priority?
Leading a Fulfilled and Healthy Life

(Last Updated On: September 18, 2023)

A fulfilled and healthy life is something that we strive for, and it all starts with you. Is your well being a priority? 

Life can seem to get busier as we age, and sometimes we reach a stage where we find it hard to slow down. A busy and fulfilled life can be a positive thing; however, sometimes we forget the importance of slowing down when we need to, and don’t take time out to recuperate and recover.

Knowing when it’s time for respite is an essential part of continuing your journey through a healthy life, and will help ensure that burnout or ill health isn’t around the corner. It’s never too late to begin your well being and health journey.  Even the smallest positive changes will have a beneficial impact on how you feel physically and mentally.

So, if you feel that you’re stuck in a lifestyle rut, and can’t seem to kick your unhealthy habits, or focusing on everyone else but you, it might be time to consider taking actions that will improve your well being. 

A fulfilled and healthy life is about enriching your lifestyle, taking time out when it’s needed and listening to what your body is telling you.

The healthier you feel, the more motivated you’ll be to keep up the good work and continue on your healthy path. Let’s look at some tips and ideas  to make changes and start the positive momentum going, so that well being will become your priority and a natural part of your daily routine.

[bctt tweet=”Is your well being a priority? These steps toward leading a fulfilled and happy life will help you get there!” username=”inspiremystyle1″]

A Fulfilled and Healthy Life

Respite, Relaxation, And Recuperation

A decent nights sleep will improve your ability to carry out the day ahead refreshed and ready to go. Rest and sleep also help to fight stress, fatigue, and depression, as they are a vital part of your healthy lifestyle.

Your diet and exercise regime will help in your goal of sleeping well; however, there are some other techniques you can use to unwind, should you miss a couple of workouts or have had a particularly stressful week.

Meditation is a great way to release stress and energize yourself ahead of a busy day, so try some simple techniques that you can carry out in a quiet place at home.

Sports massages, a dip in the jacuzzi at the gym or some yoga time are the perfect way to pummel the tension away from your muscles and will help to alleviate the stresses and strains of the day. 

Think about a location that relaxes you, and where you feel most at ease.  You might enjoy your penthouse with good view  (if you’re fortunate enough to live that high in the sky!) or perhaps you prefer a country cottage escape. For me, it’s a quick trip to the beach and I’m in my happy place. Wherever you feel the most serene and calm is where you should try to spend some time. 

Perhaps it’s a case of retreating somewhere a couple of days before the kids and grand kids turn up for a family get-together.  Whatever you need to do to recharge properly, before doing more of what you enjoy, is crucial for a lower stress life.

Book yourself into a spa, travel somewhere new to soak up the culture, or simply take yourself for a coffee to read a book after a workout. There are so many ways to prioritize your well being, it’s about making the commitment and actually doing it.

Saying ‘no’ is also okay. You might be a natural people pleaser, but, if that means you get rundown and stressed, then nobody will end up happy with your efforts, especially you!

Here’s a suggestion: Plan your week ahead on a Sunday evening, and think about what you want and need to do for yourself first, before you take on any added responsibilities or favors. I know it can be tough, but give it a try.

It might be working out and fitness, cooking, meditation, or catching a movie. If these are the things that make you feel great, then they’re very important things to incorporate into your life.

Family, Friends, And Big Supporters

This next piece of advice is critical if you are working toward the goal of a fulfilled and healthy life!

Ensure that the people around you are positive forces in your life. If friends and acquaintances are making you feel bad in any way, adding to your stress, or don’t understand your need for respite, it might be time to cut ties with those people, or limit the contact that you have with them.

Surround yourself with those who love you, and have your best interests at heart. If a friend is willing to stay in and watch a movie with you when you’re feeling tired or low, keep communicating and spending quality time together. Great friends and family members will do all they can to build you up and ensure that your mental and physical health are well-looked after, so choose them wisely. In turn, you’ll find that you have the energy and internal resources to do the same for them...isn’t that awesome?!

Sometimes life is very overwhelming. The aging process and challenges that life throws at us can negatively affect well being. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be fearful or ashamed to seek professional help or counseling, as sometimes it can be difficult to share your thoughts and feelings with those who are closest to you.

Talking through your issues and life with somebody who has an impartial perspective can feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. People who are trained to help with mind management and mental health will have a wealth of knowledge and advice for you, and it’s worth investing your time and effort into finding the right person to help your progress and regain your motivation.

Food, Snacks, And Nourishment

I think we’d agree that a donut for breakfast, fries for lunch, and nachos for dinner (coupled with candy for snacks) aren’t going to help you towards a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Treats taste so good; however, start looking at them as treats and not sustenance.

Veggies & Natural Foods

For you to feel motivated each day, you’ll need to provide your body with the right fuel that won’t leave you hungry and craving sugary delights. Think about fresh, unprocessed, natural foods that will enrich your diet and nourish your body. That is a huge step toward making your well being a priority. It’s not always about salads without dressing, but it is worth adding fresh vegetables to your meals.

Veggies will fill you up and provide you with essential fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that will help to put a spring in your step, not to mention the positive effects they’ll have on your hair, skin, and general appearance.

For some ideas on how to incorporate an array of vegetables into your diet plan, it’s worth researching into the many resources online, and getting some nourishing recipe inspiration.

Fresh Fruit, Nuts & Seeds

Sugar cravings can often be satiated by fresh fruit, so whip up a smoothie before you leave for a workout, or grab a banana afterwards instead of reaching for chocolate. I am the first to want to grab a cookie or sweet treat, I admit it!

Fruit sugars will be released slower into your system, and you’ll reap the benefits of the fiber and vitamins they’ll give you. 

Again, it’s not about starving yourself or going hungry; it’s about filling yourself up with the right food and finding recipes that will keep you fuller longer, so you don’t feel the need to snack throughout the day.

Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit are the perfect alternative for those who always need to nibble in the afternoon, so pop some in a container and take them with you to the office or wherever your day takes you. I’ve found that a small handful of unsalted peanuts or almonds satisfies me.

Preparing and cooking up delicious and healthy meals can also be a mindful way to relax and unwind.  This could become one of the things that you do for yourself, and give to your loved ones.

Treats don’t have to (and shouldn’t) become a thing of the past. By limiting the amount you consume, the less you’ll feel the need to reach for a cookie with your coffee, and you’ll enjoy them more on special occasions.

Think about healthier alternatives to your favorite sweet foods. If you’re a chocolate addict,  try switching to dark chocolate, or an alternative with a higher cocoa percentage. Dark chocolate contains minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, and it’s worth swapping your regular candy bars for. And there are always healthy movies snacks to enjoy, for a crunchy treat when you’re curled up on the sofa.

Is YOUR Well Being a Priority?

I sure hope so! If you don’t start making your health and well being your number one priority, it won’t be long before you suffer the stress and negative effects.

If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut of your current lifestyle, it’s time to be brave, take a breath, and take these all important steps toward leading a fulfilled and healthy life. You can do it!

Like this post? Share it!

• 

• 

image credits:  featured image

image 2  |  image 3  |  image 4