ON BEING WELL

By Kate Aitken

We live in an uncertain, ever-changing world. We always have, and we always will. Instead of allowing the fear of this reality to consume us, we can reframe it as an opportunity to equip ourselves with the tools we need to best support us, and even to help us thrive.

To be well requires intention, and it requires us to make better choices - daily. We need to build a toolkit filled with the best techniques so that even when there is chaos, we’re able to maintain our centre or, at worst, to recalibrate quickly.

Here are 10 tools you can look at adding to your personal toolkit. Try them out, take some out, and add some more back in. Make it your own and, most importantly, use a combination of tools daily to be well.

1. PRACTISE GRATITUDE

We’ll continue beating the drum on this one, as it’s that effective. Energy flows where attention goes. Spend a moment, daily, writing down what you’re grateful for.

2. AFFIRM

Affirming what is, or what you’d like to see unfold in your life, is a powerful creative process. It’s very important that affirmations are stated in the present tense, and that they are succinct enough for easy repetition. Start with something simple, like “I’m radiantly healthy”, or “I’m loved”. Choose statements that work for you, repeat them like ‘mantras’, and watch what unfolds.

3. GET PRESENT

Only now is real. When we take a moment to get present, we realise that - in this moment - all is well. Conscious breathwork and a dedicated daily meditation practice are some of the most effective ways to cultivate presence. Don’t have time? The beautiful thing about a meditation practice is that it actually gives you time: life becomes more fluid and joyful as you start to make better ‘time-saving’ decisions.

4. MOVE YOUR BODY

We need to be moving our bodies every day if we want to be well. Movement releases endorphins and results in a happy physiology. Find movement you love and do it daily.

5. NOURISH YOURSELF

Drink pure water and eat clean food. We wouldn’t put dirty fuel in our cars, as they would then not operate optimally. The same logic applies when it comes to what we are putting into our bodies.

6. CONNECT

Cultivate deep relationships. To truly connect - to be seen and to be heard - is a basic human need. Food nourishes us on a physical level, and connection nourishes us on an emotional and spiritual level. Make time to top yourself up by spending time with the people you love. If you need outside support, prioritise this.

7. BE IN NATURE

Nature is fuel for our spirits. If you want perspective, spend some time in nature. Many worries can fade away when we get outside and connect with the elements.

8. SET BOUNDARIES

Maintaining healthy boundaries in your work and personal life is conducive to a happier life. Establish what your boundaries are, and communicate these (where relevant). The more you respect your boundaries, the more others will, too.

9. CHANGE STATE

We are always in a state of mind: open, closed, positive, weak, adventurous, etc. Ask yourself what state of mind you are in right now, and know that you have the power to change it. It often requires acting ‘as if’ to shift headspace. If you’re having a bad day, shift focus and do something completely different (like going for a walk) rather than trying to force a solution.

10. TRUST THAT THE UNIVERSE WORKS

Every day the sun rises, the trees grow, and the waves crash on the shores. Things just work. The universe is mysterious and magical. There are cycles and circles in life, with highs and lows. This is the nature of life. With hindsight, we see the gifts in the challenges, allowing us to ultimately value all experiences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kate is the Marketing Manager at Wellness Warehouse, as well as an internationally-accredited health coach, and a passionate wellness advocate who believes that the key to living life well is in supporting innate wellbeing through food and lifestyle choices.