10 Wellness Boosting Activities to Add to Your Calendar
Wellness is a mindset. It can mean different things to different people. For some, it could be going to the gym regularly. For others, it may be a spa date with friends. Anything that makes you feel healthier and happier should be your prescription for wellness. Most people know what they should do, but very few do it. They blame work responsibilities or household chores, but until they plan, their goal may remain a dream.
Start off by making a list of activities and get details, like prerequisites, cost, and timings. Scuba diving may sound exciting, but you should look up the cost and fitness requirements before signing up. You don’t want to end up feeling worse than when you began.
The ideal activity would fit comfortably into your schedule and budget. Use scheduling tools like Google Calendar or Calendar.com to organize your time so there’s no clash or confusion. You don’t need hours or days to focus on your wellness. A simple half-hour can also be converted into a wellness activity. Here are ten easy and affordable activities that can help you feel better without the hassle.
1. Explore the World of Exercise
While regular gym sessions may be the most effective way to be physically fit, it’s not the only way. You can stay flexible and burn those extra calories by having fun. Join a Zumba class, or just let yourself loose on the dance floor. Dancing is the simplest way to get your heart pumping, and the endorphins released can lift your mood instantly.
You can exercise at home, in the park, or even at work. Set a reminder on your calendar and do a ten-minute light workout. Just a few lunges and squats help loosen your muscles, and you won’t even break a sweat. It’ll leave you feeling lighter and more agile, energizing both your body and mind.
2. Embark on a Culinary Adventure
Everyone needs energy to function. However, just don’t grab the low-hanging fruit that leads to more harm than health. Junk food may taste good, but it’ll leave you feeling heavier and lazier than before. Instead, try redefining your relationship with food by experimenting with tastes and techniques.
Block out one hour each weekend for meal prep. Decide on different meals that are protein-rich with complex carbs such as brown rice or sweet potatoes. It’s best to include a cooked meal, a baked meal, and one with no cooking like a salad or sandwich. Cook once, eat twice. Try to freeze an extra lasagna when you’re making one.
3. Build Bonds
Meaningful social connections can be instrumental in good mental health. Whether it’s a family member or a colleague, take the time to meet them in person. Invite them over for a cup of tea or go for a walk if the weather cooperates. Listening to them and letting out your own emotions can make you feel like a new person.
The most challenging part of organizing a get-together is deciding a time that suits everyone. Instead of texting back and forth, synchronize your social calendar to find the perfect slot for everyone. Once you’re together, stop worrying about other plans. Let your hair down and enjoy the love and laughter.
4. Laughter is the Best Medicine
Ask yourself what was the last thing that made you laugh heartily? If it was a movie, watch it again. If it was a person, meet up with them more often. Laughter is the secret drug to reducing stress and improving your mood. Everyone has their own laughter trigger. Know yours and use it often.
Laughter therapy has proven beneficial, and laughter yoga is a new form of exercise. It’s a series of movements that get you to laugh, thereby making you feel better. It all starts with a positive mindset. You must first acknowledge the power of laughter so you may benefit from it.
5. Mindful Meditation
Another wellness activity that can be done anywhere is meditation. Choose the time of day when you feel most relaxed and schedule 10–15 minutes of daily meditation. Try to schedule the time; otherwise, your mind may bounce from one task to another, leaving you no time to recharge.
Regular meditation can lower stress levels and improve concentration. The goal is to declutter your thoughts and exhale the negativity. You don’t necessarily have to sit cross-legged on the floor to meditate. Although you can meditate on your bed or your desk, go outdoors as the natural environment can maximize the benefits.
6. Heal with Nature
Don’t underestimate the rehabilitative power of a walk in the park or sitting by a lake. The peacefulness of birds gently swirling in the sky and flowers dancing with the breeze significantly impacts your thoughts. Even when you’re indoors, sit in a bright and airy room for a more cheerful mood.
Incorporate the outdoors into your daily life. Instead of driving, Walk to the store and sit outdoors in the café. Consider work-from-outdoors as a weekly option so the fresh air can work its magic on your productivity. For days when the weather is bad, consider bringing the outdoors inside by having indoor plants.
7. Work Your Green Thumb
Whether you have a sprawling vegetable garden or potted plants on your windowsill, gardening can inculcate happiness. Caring for a living thing and watching it grow can be fulfilling. Apart from the health benefits, plants improve the air quality, and greenery adds a natural touch to the décor.
If you’re not confident about your gardening skills, join a horticulture club. You’ll learn about plants and gather tips and ideas for growing plants in any space. Learning something new boosts your self-confidence and you can teach others, thereby giving back to the community.
8. Cultivate Your Community
Everyone has something to offer. Help others by giving them your time and attention. Volunteer at the community center and listen to seniors share stories. It’ll be just as therapeutic for you as it will be for them. Help a child learn a sport, and you may become their hero forever.
The cause you choose must be something you’re passionate about, or it can feel like a chore. Helping at the animal shelter, food bank, or hospital may give you a sense of purpose in life. It also makes your life more interesting, so you have more to look forward to besides the routine.
9. Make More Memories
Just because you aren’t going for an exotic vacation doesn’t mean your life is boring. Pay attention to the world around you, and you’ll find many things worth remembering. Journaling isn’t just about writing what happened and how it made you feel. It’s a powerful tool to process emotions and clear your thoughts.
Jot down whatever comes to mind, and you’ll be surprised by your own creativity. Your old journal can even be a mood-lifter for those days when life feels bleak and gloomy. Plus, it’s a great excuse to buy fancy notebooks, pens, and stickers. Don’t worry, it won’t cost that much if you know where to shop.
10. Go Treasure Hunting
Retail therapy can be an instant mood booster, but the positivity is often reversed when the credit card bill arrives. Instead of going to the mall, go thrifting to make shopping a guilt-free experience. Buying something pre-loved is no longer considered inferior. It saves money and reduces waste, thereby helping save the planet.
Anything that gets your creative juices flowing can benefit your mental health. Mix and match items from the thrift store to create your own outfit. It’ll showcase your unique style, unlike the typical lines in mainstream fashion outlets. Add an afternoon of thrifting to your monthly calendar, and you may just cherish the treasures you’ll find.
Finding your wellness groove is about exploring new avenues and experimenting with new activities. What may start from mildly embarrassing may be deeply fulfilling, so don’t give up. The key to wellness isn’t about finding perfection but about finding joy, so keep searching and smiling.
10 Wellness Boosting Activities to Add to Your Calendar was originally published on Calendar on July 21, 2024 by Abby Miller.
