Maintaining a state of balance is fundamental to health, wellness, and wellbeing. True, consuming nutritious foods, getting adequate sleep, and exercise are essential to health, yet it’s just as important to engage in activities that nourish the mind and soul. Creating a meaningful life looks different for each individual, involving lifestyle preferences and other influential factors. However, we can all benefit from a healthy state of mind, body, and soul. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outlines central aspects of physical and mental wellbeing in the Components of Productive Health and Well-being model noting, “Self-care includes all the choices you make on a daily basis that affect your physical, mental, and spiritual health. In fact, how you take care of yourself will have a greater impact on your health and well-being than the medical care you receive.”

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities and tasks in your life? Perhaps you may be experiencing major challenges financially, physically, mentally, or emotionally. New changes can lead to anxiety and depression, if coping skills are not implemented during stressful times. Every situation is unique, and it’s best to consult with counselors, psychologists, life-coaches, and healthcare professionals who provide guidance and directions to meet your individual needs. Unexpected situations are inevitable, yet we can handle circumstances in ways that promote stress reduction. The key is to embrace wellness and wellbeing. Keeping an optimistic mindset, empowers individuals to take-on challenges that normally would have appeared as "stressors". We can be caught in the “storm” or better yet, we can decide to watch it from afar. Welcoming strategies for stress reduction, are lifelong tools that can be used in challenging times. 

Read These 10 Stress-Reducing Tips!

1. Establish Healthy Habits & Rituals: Start introducing activities that bring about a sense of relaxation, and focus. Some examples include taking a warm shower, drinking a cup of tea, lighting candles, applying delightful fragrances, and introducing aromatherapy. Plan ahead and schedule a monthly massage, manicure, or pedicure. You may choose to take a daily walk in the park, smell the ocean breeze, or enjoy the sounds of nature in your surroundings. You decide how often to do these activities, and the times that are most beneficial. There is no limitation in creating healthy habits for stress reduction and wellness.