What’s Wellness Anyway? Let’s Spell It Out!

Four individuals balance on one leg while extending their other leg and holding a ball in one straight line in a well-lit studio.

Hey, wellness warriors! Ever find yourself wondering what “wellness” actually means? If you’ve ever Googled the term, you know that you’re about to dive into a rabbit hole of countless definitions and interpretations. From health websites to lifestyle influencers, it seems everyone has their unique take. But amidst this sea of explanations, one key concept pops up like a beacon in the fog: BALANCE. Let’s use “BALANCE” as our guide to unravel the mystery of wellness, turning it into an actionable acronym to help us all lead healthier, happier lives.

B IS FOR BODY LOVE

Breathe and Stretch: Your body is your temple, right? So, start treating it like one! Kick off your morning with a quick stretch session (or maybe an express class from SHiNE Online). Breathe in positivity, breathe out negativity. It’s not just poetic; it’s practical. Oxygenating your body first thing can wake up your system more gently than any alarm clock.

A IS FOR AN APPLE A DAY

Appreciate Whole Foods: No, not the store—though they do have a killer salad bar. We’re talking about whole, unprocessed foods. Each meal is a chance for you to choose wellness. Swap out that afternoon bag of chips for a crisp apple. It’s about making small, manageable changes that add up.

L IS FOR LAUGH OUT LOUD

Leverage Laughter: Ever laughed so hard your abs hurt? That’s your workout for the day! But seriously, laughter reduces stress hormones and boosts your intake of oxygen-rich air, keeping your heart healthy. Watch a funny movie, call that hilarious friend, or start your day with a silly dance in front of the mirror. If you laugh at yourself, you’ll never run out of material!

A IS FOR AIM HIGH

Aspire and Achieve: Set realistic goals that challenge you. Want to run a 5K? Start with 1K. Dream of a peaceful mind? Meditate for five minutes daily. Small achievements pave the way to big successes. At SHiNE, we use the 100 Strong program to keep you moving forward one workout at a time!

N IS FOR NIGHTY NIGHT

Nurture Your Sleep: If sleep were a credit card company, many of us would be way over our limit, borrowing energy from tomorrow to pay for today. Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Remember, your Netflix queue will still be there tomorrow. Prioritize rest, and your body and mind will thank you.

C IS FOR CONNECT

Cultivate Connections: Wellness isn’t a solo journey. Humans are social creatures, and strong connections can increase our longevity and mental health. So, call your mom, snuggle with your pet, or get your butt to class for a good sweat session with your crew. These moments of connection are crucial for emotional wellness.

E IS FOR ENVIRONMENT

Embrace Your Space: Your environment dramatically impacts your wellness. Whether decluttering your work area or adding plants to your living space, make sure your surroundings are peaceful and inspiring. A tidy, happy space makes for a tidy, happy mind.

So, there you have it! Wellness isn’t just about kale smoothies or marathon running—it’s about finding balance in every aspect of your life. Whether you’re a seasoned wellness guru or a curious newbie, remember, every little bit counts. Start with B and by the time you reach E, not only will your space be tidier, but your approach to personal wellness might just be, too. Now, go forth and balance!