In our current climate, we are all conscious of the need for positive ‘wellbeing’. But what does that really mean? Defined by the Oxford Dictionary as ‘the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy’, it’s an almost mythical state we strive to attain in our day-to-day lives. But, in this Covid-19 world of lockdowns, restrictions and constant uncertainty, how do we take care of our overall physical, mental, spiritual and financial wellbeing?

What Is the Wellbeing Cycle?

Our health and wellbeing is cyclic. It is a constant loop that can move in a positive direction, a negative direction, or be idle. When we do positive things for our wellbeing - eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, keep our stress under control, and maintain a positive mindset - we spur the positive cycle to keep on rolling.

Each of these positive actions accumulate, which results in improved health, increased vitality, and feeling better overall.

Feeling better is the ultimate prize – the superb bonus for healthy living.

As each of your actions build and become habitual, the wellbeing cycle gains momentum. But, it’s important to recognise that each individual action has less impact as the positive current gets stronger. Think of that person you know who epitomises health - do they always make the healthiest choices? Not likely! And here’s why that’s okay.

Creating Momentum Is Key to Positive Wellbeing

People who create momentum in their wellbeing cycle have more flexibility to deviate off-track, and enjoy the confidence of knowing that this won’t upset their overall positive direction. It’s okay to order dessert, miss a workout, enjoy a weekend celebration, endure a week-long work project or go on a no-holds-barred holiday adventure. Typically, they put their usual optimal healthy living habits on the back-burner while continuing to maintain their fundamental healthy rituals. The overall effect is a slowing down of their positive wellbeing cycle; it does not stagnate or reverse direction. So, when they return to consistent healthy living, it’s much easier to get the momentum going again. 

This is called ‘living in the balance’

Living In The Balance

Living in the balance, is about following ‘The 80/20 Rule’. In regards to healthy eating, it’s simply about maintaining a well-balanced nutrition plan, while still allowing yourself some freedom with your meal and snack choices. 

This involves:

• Choosing and eating unprocessed or minimally processed foods, lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains 80% of the time
• Exercising portion control 
• Burning more calories than you consume

But BEWARE! 

‘Living in the balance’ does require consistent healthy lifestyle and diet change. 

It does not mean eating well from Monday to Friday, then eating whatever you like on the weekend. And it certainly doesn’t make binge eating okay! Because, if the allocated 20% turns into 40% or larger portions, then you may find your wellbeing cycle becomes stationary - or worse, it moves into reverse.

Creating Positive Health Change

Kickstarting your Wellbeing Cycle may not be easy. Breaking old habits and creating new ones can be challenging, but the first step is recognising and deciding you want a change. The exciting part about making a health change is that simple tweaks to your diet and exercise tend to snowball into the other mental and spiritual aspects of health.

So, if you are wondering how to get the Wellbeing Cycle going in a positive direction, here are my suggestions:

1. Sip water all day long
2. Have a high protein breakfast
3. Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night
4. Cook for yourself
5. Manage stress with time out and deep breathing
6. Set short and long term goals
7. Aim to exercise three times a week
8. Detox each season
9. Snack healthily
10. Stop and smell the roses
    

Feeling vibrant, energised and happy are the wondrous consequence of healthy living. The ripple effect of experiencing vitality and joy is immeasurable. Start with one positive health change to get your wellbeing momentum moving in the right direction … just start

We all know what we’re ‘supposed’ to do – right? But everyone struggles with taking action, or maintaining positive, healthy habits. I’m here to help you ‘Find Your Spark’ and step into the rewards of enjoying a positive wellbeing cycle in all aspects of your life