A Holistic Approach to a Vibrant Life (7 Pillars of Wellness)

When I say wellness, most often what one thinks of is  eating right, working out and getting enough sleep. And while these things matter, real wellness, I believe, goes deeper than that. It's about finding balance in all areas of your life, including mentally, spiritually and emotionally. It’s being intentional with your life choices to support how you feel now and where you want to be long-term.

The 7 Pillars of Wellness

So, what are these pillars? And how can you incorporate them into your life?

• Physical Health:  Nourishing your body through movement, rest, and nutrition.

• Mental Clarity: Keeping your mind sharp and free from overwhelm.

• Emotional Well-Being: Understanding and processing emotions in a healthy way.

• Spiritual Connection: Finding meaning and purpose in life.

• Social Wellness: Building strong, supportive relationships.

• Financial Wellness: Understanding your financial needs and building towards monetary goals

• Environmental Wellness: Living in harmony with your surroundings.

How to Create a Wellness Routine That Works for You

1. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is not selfish, though many of us, especially us women, have had to unlearn that. Every person deserves time that is just for themselves. Start scheduling daily self-care time, whether it’s reading, meditating, stretching or just sitting and enjoying a cup of tea. You deserve it!

2. Move Your Body Daily

Physical activity is great for your body but that's not all it's good for. It boosts your mental clarity, helps you regulate your emotions by increasing your feel good hormones, dopamine and serotonin and relieves stress. A sure way to get more movement in your day is by pairing it with something you love. Nothing is more excruciating than performing exercises you hate. If you love yoga then do it! Why run if you are going to hate every step?

3. Nourish with Whole Foods

Forget about the bag of chips sitting in your cupboard. A healthy diet fuels your body, mind, and mood. Try focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and staying hydrated.

4. Manage Stress

Chronic stress has a direct impact on blood sugar levels and can take a toll mentally as well. The hormones of cortisol and adrenaline, your "fight or flight" aids, raise your blood sugar and, if allowed to remain in your system for too long can worsen your insulin resistance, cause cravings and emotional eating, which in turn makes blood sugar control harder to manage. Destressing can be hard and takes consistent attention. Try practicing deep breathing, journaling, or spending time in nature.

5. Get a Good Night Sleep

To all the people who pride themselves on living on limited sleep, stop it! Your body needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimum health. Create a nighttime routine, put away the phone and turn in early.

6. Set Healthy Boundaries

Believe it or not, saying "no" is a form of self-care. Constantly saying "yes" to every ask can be exhausting. Limit social media time, take a break and do the things that align with who you are and your values.

7. Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Mindset matters. That's actually a sign in my office. Our thoughts shape our reality. Breathe life into yourself by practicing gratitude and affirmations. It  can shift your perspective. Try starting each day with two things you are most grateful for and one affirmation.

8. Connect with Others

Lastly, as humans, we are social beings. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Schedule time to spend with family and friends. In the end, you will be more grateful that you did than you didn't.

Final Thoughts: Your Wellness Journey is Yours to Shape

Wellness is not about perfection; it’s about progress. I live by this motto everyday. Living with diabetes, I've learned there are no flawless days, just days where I choose to keep going. And trust me, this I have learned through plenty of trial, error and disappointment. No two wellness journeys look the same, just like no two chronic conditions are the same. We all move through this differently. Give yourself grace, while focusing on the small, sustainable choices that help lead you to a healthier you.

With health & love, Ria