You made it halfway through the year. Remember how you felt at the start of January? All those resolutions to eat better, work out more, and take better care of your mental health? But let’s be real – life can throw some serious curveballs, and suddenly those self-care goals get buried under a mountain of to-dos.
Is this you? Don’t sweat it. Whether you are smashing your wellness goals or feeling a bit off track, you’ve made it this far after all! And even if you’re not quite where you want to be, there’s still a way to get back on track.
Take a closer look at your progress and ask yourself: What’s working, and what needs a tweak? With a bit of reflection, you’ll then be able to make the necessary changes to ensure you’re where you want to be with your health and wellbeing.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
It’s important to realise that it’s not just a single aspect you should be focusing on. Your body operates as a complex system, influenced by various factors. From your physical fitness to your mental resilience, nutritional intake to your professional satisfaction, every facet contributes significantly to your overall wellbeing. Adopting a holistic approach means acknowledging the interconnectedness of these different aspects and how they come together.
Let’s explore how you can recalibrate your wellbeing journey to achieve holistic wellness.
A Vitality Boost
As we hit the year’s midpoint, it’s a great time to evaluate not only your exercise habits but your overall physical wellness. Are you keeping active or slipping into a sedentary lifestyle? If you’re feeling a bit meh about exercise, switch it up with new routines or enlist a workout buddy for added motivation.
Remember though, physical health is more than just gym time. Beyond exercise, there are other components that contribute to physical wellness, increasing energy levels, improving your mood, and enhancing productivity and vitality. Adequate sleep allows your body to rest, recover, and recharge while stress management can positively impact your wellbeing. Consider scheduling a health checkup too for valuable insights into your health status so you can make proactive adjustments.
How’s Your Mood Lately?
Often, we forget to pause and tune into our emotional wellbeing, getting too caught up with everything else. Neglecting your emotional health unfortunately can lead to increased stress, burnout, and overall dissatisfaction. If you’ve been feeling a bit blue, it’s OK to take a break. Whether it is a holiday to reset or a day off doing the things you enjoy (or even nothing at all!), these proactive steps to prioritise your mental health are key to staying happy and resilient.
Nourish and Thrive
Did you kick off the year with a strong resolve to prioritise healthy eating, only to find yourself slipping off track recently? It happens. Maintaining a nutritious diet can be tough, but it’s important to view it as a journey, not a sprint. Ultimately, your focus should be on nourishing your body and enjoying the process.
“Eating well doesn’t mean dieting or depriving ourselves of the food we love. In fact, sticking to a strict diet tends to be the exact opposite of good nutrition and self-care,” says Cynthia Jetan, Certified Nutritionist at LAC Malaysia. She emphasises the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with food. “This means giving yourself the permission to eat the foods that make you feel good physically and mentally, in moderation. Food not only provides our body with energy and nutrients but also nourishes our soul and boosts emotional well-being,” explains Cynthia.
Cynthia suggests five foods to boost your happy hormones and enhance your quality of life. “Chocolates release serotonin and endorphins, as well as improve blood flow to the heart and brain, improving concentration due to antioxidants. Bananas contain tryptophan, vital for the production of serotonin and melatonin to regulate sleep and mood. Meanwhile, pumpkin seeds provide magnesium, promoting relaxation and stress reduction for better sleep. Tea – green or black – contains L-Theanine known for calming effects on the mind. Finally, mackerel, a good source of protein, is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health and regulate your mood.”
In the bustling city, people are usually exposed to high levels of free radicals, which leads to oxidative stress in the body. This imbalance can damage DNA cells, accelerate ageing, and contribute to diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancers. Hence, you may want to consider supplements to fill in nutritional gaps and support overall wellbeing. One such option is LAC Masquelier’s French Pine Bark Extract with Original OPCs, packed with nutrients and antioxidants found in French Pine Bark and Grape Seeds, providing your body with OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes), to boost your immune system, improve vitality and enhance your overall health.
OPCs are often hard to get from daily meals, making it challenging to meet the body’s antioxidant needs. LAC Masquelier’s French Pine Bark Extract with Original OPCs offers a convenient solution, ensuring you receive the antioxidants necessary for healthy ageing and a youthful feeling. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could also help in maintaining a healthy heart by reducing fat buildup and oxidative stress. By incorporating it into your diet, you’re not just targeting one aspect of your health but supporting total wellness.
Balanced Work and Life
Another important thing to reflect upon during your mid-year check-up is your job satisfaction. Spending hours in a job that doesn’t bring you joy will seriously impact your overall wellbeing, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Ask yourself this: Are you finding fulfilment in your work, or do you feel overwhelmed and drained? If it is the latter, it might be time to make changes to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether it is setting boundaries or seeking new opportunities, prioritising your happiness at work is essential for a balanced life.
The most important thing to remind yourself during your mid-year checkup? Self-care is not selfish! It’s essential for your overall health and happiness. So, take some time to reflect, recalibrate, and prioritise your wellbeing. You got this!
The listicle is attributed to Cynthia Jetan, a certified nutritionist from LAC Malaysia.