Do you ever feel like affordable wellness is an oxymoron? I get asked all the time “What’s one simple thing I can do to feel better, without spending tons of money?” With all the different treatments, green drinks, powders, and holistic remedies, and boutique fitness classes it can be overwhelming to create a routine that you will actually stick to, and that won’y drain your bank account.
There are a few simple yet powerful practices that not only change the foundation of your wellness but are more affordable than weekly soul cycle classes (cuz that shit adds up faaaast!)
I believe that your wellness habits should not only be easy, but they should also be sustainable. The only practice that matters is the one that will last, so before you buy into the next big health craze, let’s set a strong foundation with affordable, daily wellness habits.
What we do consistently will have a greater effect than what we do occasionally.
We also have to remember that having a healthy lifestyle isn’t about being perfect all the time. There will be occasions when you’re out with your girlfriends, and have too many glasses of Cabernet, followed by a late night slice of pizza, and an oh-what-the-hell chocolate brownie because hey the diet went out the window today. Don’t punish or place harsh restrictions on yourself for the next week. It’s about gently returning to your routine the next day.
So what are some simple things you can you do on the reg that could have a big impact on how you feel, with no price tag?
Sleep is your BFF
Ok I say this in the most loving way, but really sleep is the FOUNDATION to all of our body’s functions working properly. You can drink all the green juice, take all the pilates classes, and collagen shots there are, but if you aren’t sleeping you’re screwed. And it’s not just the hours you’re sleeping, but it’s how well you are sleeping. Sleep is where your cells renew and rejuvenate.I have noticed a MASSIVE difference in how I feel when I wake up based on whether or not I fell asleep watching Netflix or listening to a relaxation meditation, even when the amount of sleep was the same. I actually thought I had a sleep disorder, until I ditched the screens at bed time (like, for real I looked into having a sleep study done because I couldn’t figure out how 8-9 hours of sleep later I was still a zombie). I use the app Insight Timer, find a sleep meditation, and I’m off to snooze-land.
Aside from feeling more energetic, well-rested people are more intentionally mindful throughout the day of how they take care of themselves. So, maintaining a positive health routine, starts with your sleep habits.
Get Yourself Properly Hydrated
Aside from sleep, water intake was one of my biggest struggles. If you’re like me and forget to drink water during the day, you may experience headaches, constipation, dull skin, fatigue, and dry skin, among many other annoying and unnecessary ailments. It’s one of the most powerful wellness tools we have at our disposal.
They (not really sure who “they” are) say that you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day, but I think sticking to 2-3 liters of water a day is a good number to stick to. Your body is most dehydrated in the morning, so drinking a good amount of water first thing in the AM is a smart move. I fill up a mason jar of water and keep it on my night stand so as soon as I wake up it’s right there.
Meditation
New research is coming out every day about the health benefits of meditation. I have a couple of free apps on my phone that have hundreds of guided meditations for just about any time frame and need. We live such busy lives, it’s becoming the norm to be stressed out, but is it really necessary? No! Of course not! Why choose a life of stress and overwhelm when you don’t have to? You may not be able to change the circumstances you are in, but you can certainly take a few minutes every day to invest in your own mental and physical wellbeing. Start small with a 5-10 minute guided meditation, stick with it for 21 days and see how you feel.
xo,
PS. If you think that your self care and wellness is too expensive think again. The most important thing you can invest in is yourself, and there are tons of creative and affordable ways to do that. Priority is the secret ingredient.
Please share this if you found it helpful.
PICK YOUR FAVORITE PIN!
