3 Simple Ways to Optimize Your Well-Being
If there is one thing you can choose for yourself in life, choose your well-being. Taking care of your physical health and emotional happiness is the most important thing you can do for yourself. All aspects of your life affect your state of well-being, and it is easy to lose sight of what is important and fall into an imbalance. Prioritize yourself with these three simple ways to optimize your well-being.
Value Your Sleep
In the back of your mind, you know sleep is important and that quality sleep maximizes your well-being. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, quality sleep at the right time can protect your physical and mental health as well as your quality of life and safety. Quality sleep means no technology before bed, no night cap glass of wine and getting anywhere from six to nine hours of sleep.
Using Apple’s iOS Health application, which is compatible with the iPhone 5s and later models, you can track your sleep with a companion app, like SleepTime+, and receive an analysis. SleepTime+ monitors your REM cycle and wakes you up with a soothing alarm clock when you are sleeping the lightest. Apple’s iOS Health application is a great way to compile all of your health related numbers and statistics, and it gives you a great overview of your physical health.
Cleanse Your Life
I am not just referring to one of those juice cleanses with this tip. I am referring to letting go and cleansing your life of everything that does not serve you. Whether it is a friendship that has been taking a toll on you or a job that is not bringing you happiness and fulfillment, cleanse yourself.
Start by writing everything down in a journal or a letter to yourself. Write down relationships, bad habits, things that make you feel guilty or shameful and any other negativity. This might take a few days or a few months, or it might be an ongoing list you maintain, but once you are ready, start working toward ridding yourself of it all. Cleansing yourself of these extra stressors will bring peace to your mind, body and soul.
Get Physical
Exercise means something different for every individual. Whether you put in work at the gym lifting weights and running on the treadmill or enjoy a leisurely bike ride in your neighborhood, anytime you are moving, your body benefits in a myriad of ways. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise controls your weight, combats health conditions and diseases, improves your mood, boosts your energy and promotes better sleep.
If you haven’t found a way to get physical that you enjoy, explore exercise classes, local hiking trails or exercise groups. Finding something that works for you is a life-long investment in your health and well-being, and it is one choice you will not regret.
Prioritizing your well-being does not mean you are always going to be happy or healthy or successful. It is important to acknowledge the difficulties and complexities that life has in store and embrace them for what they teach us. However, through all your trials and tribulations, choose your well-being.