Health Goals: Making Your Wellness a Priority

Oct 3, 2023
Clarissa Sherwood
Health Goals: Making Your Wellness a Priority

Embarking on the Path to Wellness

If there's one thing I've learned in my journey as a busy mum juggling parenting and blogging, it's the undeniable truth that health is indeed wealth. The beauty of making our wellness a priority echoes through every aspect of our lives; mental, physical, and emotional. It's not just about sculpting a summer-ready body or avoiding a runny nose during the cold season. It's about creating a wholesome lifestyle that keeps us energized, mentally focused, and emotionally steady.

So, today, my lovely readers, I'd love to share with you some insights, tips, and even a dash of hard-earned wisdom (with a generous sprinkle of humour) on setting and achieving health goals. Let's get our wellness game on, shall we?

Addressing Your Inner Self: Mental and Emotional Health

The first destination we're heading to in our wellness journey is the less-charted terrain of mental and emotional health. Now, we've all experienced days when we feel so low we could rival a kangaroo in a limbo contest. But, pun aside, it's crucial to recognise that our mental and emotional landscape sets the tone for our overall health.

Starting with mental health, it's about keeping our minds sharp and vibrant. Did you know that solving sudoku puzzles reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s? Keep your minds stimulated, my friends, be it through learning a new hobby, reading a gripping novel, or occasional Sudoku sprees!

Emotional health, on the other hand, navigates the rollercoaster of feelings we experience daily. And trust me, as a mum to Ellis, I've seen the full spectrum of human emotions in one day! It's about feeling good about oneself, bouncing back from emotional setbacks, and building strong relationships with others. So, how do we achieve this? Simple! Look after your emotional health by practising self-love and gratitude, staying in touch with loved ones, and don't forget a good cry when needed – trust me, it can work wonders.

Keeping Fit: Physical Health

Moving along, let's hop into the world of physical health. This one's a fan favourite and what most people typically focus on, with goals ranging from shedding a few kilos to bench pressing Ellis – not that I've tried, mind you!

Physical health is about monitoring and taking care of your body. Sounds simple, right? Well, here's a fun fact: just walking for 30 minutes a day can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. That's roughly the amount of time you'd spend arguing with your toddler about why mud pies aren't an acceptable dinner!

So, what's the secret sauce for physical health? Once again, it's simple: engage in regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate sleep, and drink plenty of water. Remember, no one made Olympian records overnight. Start small, like opting for stairs instead of elevators, or swapping fried chips with fresh fruits. Before you know it, these small changes will transform into a healthier lifestyle.

Consulting the Experts: Regular Health Check-ups

The final stop in our health goal journey takes us to the world of regular health check-ups. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Clarissa, I'm just dipping my toes into the health pool, I'm not ready for a deep dive". Trust me, I understand, but hear me out.

Getting regular check-ups allows us to keep a tab on our health status, identify potential risks, and even nip any upcoming health scare in the bud. For instance, did you know that regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of oral cancer? Makes you reconsider that dental appointment you've been putting off, doesn't it?

Besides addressing potential health hazards, it also aids in understanding our bodies better. Listen to your body – every creak, hum, and rhythm. Regular visits to your healthcare professional help you create a health plan specifically tailored to your body's needs.

Nurturing the Connection: Mind and Body Interplay

Before we wrap up, let's hover a bit over an essential yet often overlooked aspect - the connection between the mind and body. It may seem like they operate independently, but they're the closest allies in promoting overall health. Stress, for instance, affects our physical health. Ever noticed how you fall ill after a tense week? That's your body signaling you to slow down and relax.

Similarly, physical conditions like lack of sleep or a poor diet can affect our mental and emotional health, leaving us feeling exhausted, anxious and low. So, while setting health goals, remember to strike a balance between mental, emotional, and physical health. It's only when these domains harmoniously work together that we can truly promote our overall wellbeing.

So, whether you're venturing into yoga, creating a nutritious meal plan, or simply setting a reminder for your annual check-up, remember, the ultimate goal is to make wellness a priority. And finally, when overcoming obstacles and setbacks, never lose sight of why you started in the first place - your health.