Unraveling the Whirlwind: Edition 4 - Revealing the Essentials of Five Key Elements
Hitting the (Wellness) Reset Button: My 12-Month Journey
Hey there, folks! It's been chilly out there lately, and I figured it's high time for an update on my 12-month wellness adventure. I've been laying it all out there on my Instagram (@fuzz.ali), spilling the tea on my highs, lows, wins, and battles - it's been a rollercoaster ride, alright!
If you've been following my odyssey, you've surely witnessed my whiny-but-determined moments, dramatic progress, and the occasional faceplant, proof that diving headfirst into understanding wellness isn’t always a bed of roses, or champagne for that matter!
Remember, everybody's journey is unique, so don't expect to nail it in one go. My partner, Ilai, has joined the ride with me, but let's make one thing clear – while we're embarking on this trip together, our paths and results might not mirror each other.
The five keys
Fast-forwarding to March, I realized I needed a massive change in approach. Losses on the scale might not have been as significant as I hoped, but I could sense a change in strength, clarity, and overall well-being. So, I took a closer look at the pieces of my wellness puzzle and decided to put them together in a different way.
Through the tweaking, testing, and eventual refining, I zeroed in on five components that, when acted upon concurrently, transformed my wellness journey.
- Nutrition and Gut Health
It's simple, really – listen to your body. If something doesn't agree with you, you'll know. I'm not talking about allergies here, but foods you feel uncomfortable with. We are all unique in that regard, so some things just won't sit well with us, like wheat with me. I can gut through croissants if I wanted, but they'll leave me bloated and zapped of energy. So, I reduce my wheat consumption, and enjoy croissants now and then.
Another aspect to consider is the gut microbiome. This little community within your gut has a massive impact on your cravings. Increase your intake of varied fruits, veggies, and fermented foods like kimchi, pickles, and sauerkraut to cultivate a healthy diverse bacterial colony, which, in turn, helps you make healthier food choices.
- Movement
Movement is the key here, and finding activities that you genuinely enjoy is crucial. Don’t jump on the bandwagon just because everyone else is doing it – for instance, I despise running; instead, I've found joy in strength training and boxing, which has boosted both my cardio capacity and muscle strength.
Remember that movement doesn’t always have to be structured. Include incidental movement in your daily routine, such as taking the stairs, walking, and choosing to park further from your destination. Every bit counts!
- Reading and Learning
Marriage of the mind and body is crucial. If you're a bookworm like me, reading every day is a no-brainer. Make it a habit to learn something new each day, be it mastering a skill or deciphering a complex topic. Your mind, fed with this continuous learning, reacts by showering you with positive energy and improved mental clarity.
- Sleep
Sleepless nights are no stranger to me, but I've discovered that making a simple change – going to bed earlier – makes a world of difference. There's no magical solution here, just taking my own sweet self to bed earlier, and learning to appreciate the benefits of proper rest, even when my busy work/social schedule and dedication to exercise make it tempting to stay up late.
- Spiritual/Meditative Practice
To complete the puzzle and attain balance, incorporate a spiritual or meditative practice into your life. For me, prayer serves that purpose, but there are other ways to connect with your inner self, like meditation, breathwork, or yoga. These practices help you stay grounded, centered, and calm in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Verdict
Consistent work on these five elements – practiced concurrently – reaps benefits both physically and mentally. You'll notice improved well-being and better performance in all aspects of life.
Do I pull off all five every day? Nope! But I strive for it, and most days, I manage to hit the nail on the head. Fingers crossed for you, too, on your wellness journey!
Coming up Next
In Episode 5, we'll delve into cosmetic procedures as a form of wellness. Until then, stay well!
- Recognizing the significance of my 12-month wellness journey, I ventured into the realm of science, exploring various aspects such as nutrition and gut health, fitness and exercise, mental health, and education and self-development.
- In my quest for personal growth, I started reading extensively about health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition, and began to implement what I learned into my daily life.
- As a part of my holistic approach to wellness, I established a consistent spiritual/meditative practice which aided in managing stress, improving mental clarity, and fostering overall well-being.
