However, taking care of your own well-being can be difficult, considering how demanding life can be. Here are a few effective ways you can improve your well-being.
1. Getting enough sleep
You can start to take care of your physical well-being by getting enough sleep. An adult requires an average of 6 to 8 hours of sleep everyday. Lack of sleep will put you in a sleep debt, which later results in fatigue, affecting your mood and energy. Some tips you can do before bedtime are:
- Reduce caffeine intake
- Exercise during the day
- Reduce screen time (play some card games instead!)
- Relax your mind and body
- Maintain a good sleep environment
2. Eat a balanced diet
It is understandable how convenient processed and fast foods are, when we are facing a hectic week. But these foods lack nutritional values and continuing to ignore your need for healthy food will deteriorate your health. You can try eating healthy by:
- Using the formula quarter quarter half, the first quarter consist of protein, second quarter consist of healthy carbs and the half part made up of vegetables and fruits
- Planning and preparing meals in advance
- Eat on time, no skipping meal
- Find alternatives to unhealthy snacks
- Reduce intake of sugary drinks
3. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is more about being in the present and taking a moment to embrace our current state of mind, body and the environment. Being aware of yourself can actually help you to mirror what exactly to focus on. Examples on how to practice mindfulness are:
- Write a journal
- Meditate
- Disconnect from gadgets
- Self reflection
4. Stress management
Prolonged stress might lead to mental health issues. Stress is inevitable, but with proper techniques you can de-escalate yourself from unwanted consequences. Ways to manage stress include:
- Note down the cause of stress
- Be responsive, not reactive
- Tackle one problem at a time
- Deep breathing
- Express your concern in a healthy way
5. Be Social
Isolation and loneliness are among the reasons for poor well-being. Communicating with others helps reduce the stress level. Human beings are naturally social creatures. Here's how you can fill the social bar:
- Dedicate time for socializing with other people
- Have a good laugh with family and friends while playing The Nurts Card Game (Laughter is the best medicine!)
- Join a community that shares your interests
- Offer help whenever possible
- Meet up with family and friends
Life is too short and we can't afford to be serious all the time. To have good well-being is to have a purposeful and fulfilling life. Take it easy and don't be so hard on yourself!
References:
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/wellbeing#how-to-achieve-wellbeing
- https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/five-ways-to-wellbeing/
- https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/what-is-well-being.html
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201901/what-is-well-being-definition-types-and-well-being-skills
- https://wellbeing-project.org/9-tested-tips-to-improve-your-wellbeing-and-quality-of-life-post/