Improving Your Wellness One Step at a Time
By Kim Thomas, US Health Corps
At the beginning of each calendar year, many of us make resolutions to exercise, quit smoking, lose weight, save money, or eat a healthier diet. While these are all worthwhile goals, attempting to make a sweeping change can result in discouragement and abandonment of the plan. Sometimes, starting with small changes can be the surest route to lasting change.
Start with small changes
Once you decide the ways you’d like to change, think about the smallest possible steps you could take toward your goal and schedule those steps into your daily routine. For example, if you want to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, you could begin by adding one additional serving each day. This could be as simple as taking a piece of fruit to work and having it as your afternoon snack. If you hope to develop a rewarding hobby, begin by researching community groups that support the activity and try visiting one each week. If you want more quality time with friends or family, schedule a weekly get-together. Put it on your calendar and follow through. Starting small is often the strongest possible way to go.
Think about your job
Do you find your work rewarding, or is it simply a means to a paycheck? If you don’t enjoy the job on some level, this may be an area to reconsider. If you want to remain in the same field but would prefer to work for a different organization or in a different position, it’s time to spruce up your resume. You could use a resume builder, easily accessible and free online. You can choose from various templates and select the colors, images, and font while adding in your own qualifications. Having a professional-looking resume is the first step toward making a job change.
Go back to school
If you want to change career fields, you may need to return to school for the appropriate credentials. Take your time researching various careers and the needed qualifications. Many online degree programs make it possible to continue working while also pursuing the degree. Although such a schedule is far from easy, it can be done. Many degrees can lead to multiple career paths.
Consider gardening
Gardening can improve your quality of life in so many ways. Aside from the obvious benefits of exercise, time spent outdoors can boost your Vitamin D levels and provide stress relief. Spending thirty minutes a day outdoors can reduce anxiety and depression, and some bacteria found in the soil actually increase serotonin levels. Growing some of your own food can help you to make healthier eating choices, too. Gardening can also be a good way to foster community with others in your neighborhood. You can start small with something like a container garden or a window box.
Although you might feel buried by the daily grind of your life, it is possible to change things, one small step at a time. Think about the areas you’d most like to improve and begin by doing a bit of research on possibilities. Once you’ve decided on a path to take, break it down into small doable steps, and incorporate them into your daily schedule. Whether you’re starting a garden, returning to school, adding a regular exercise session, or learning stress management techniques, you can move forward in small regular increments. With persistence, you’ll achieve your goals and have an enriched, healthy life.
If you’re interested in improving and maintaining your health, check out My Gut Instinct, an organization that offers online resources and a blog on health promotion via preventative care and holistic methods.
Kim Thomas’ mission is aligned with that of US Health Corps, and that is to triumph over chronic disease. Her mission is to advocate for those suffering from chronic disease and she enjoys writing about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
