What Is Wellness?
I wanted to talk a little bit about wellness or well-being concepts today. I’ve studied with colleagues of Dr. John Travis in the Wellness Inventory program. Here are a few concepts of Wellness according to Dr. John Travis:
1. Wellness is a choice – a decision you make to move toward optimal health.
2. Wellness is a way of life.
3. Wellness is a process…starting with an awareness of which direction to begin moving in.
4. Wellness is an integration of body, mind, and spirit…and all areas of that integration has a direct impact on all areas of your life.
5. Wellness is the loving acceptance of yourself.
Loving and appreciating yourself isn’t selfish. I’m not talking about elevating yourself above all others. It’s not like that. It’s a genuine love an appreciation of yourself so that you are able to make better choices. People around you see and respect the genuine you. Have you ever been around someone who had a great self-image? Compare to someone who feels down on themselves all the time. Quite a contrast.
If you are a mom with children still at home, think about what a great impact you will have on them as they see how you feel about yourself? It help’s to instill within them an honor for you, and it empowers confidence in the way they feel about themselves. If you honor yourself now, you will grant them the ability to have a better image of who they are…
When we honor and respect ourselves, we make better choices. We are modeling our choices in front of those around us.
Just so you know….I’m a work in progress. I’ll be talking and sharing about several dimensions of wellness over the next several weeks. Some of the dimensions I’m a champ! Other… well, like I said, I’m a work in progress. But one of the definitions of wellness is to be moving in the right direction. Not perfection!
During the course of the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing choices. Not hard fast “this is how you HAVE to do it” type of nurturing. YOU are the BEST judge to what your body and life needs!
I also like to share easy ways to add nurturing goodness to your routine. It’s GOT to be easy. We are learning to approach things without all the stress, right?
In regard to smoothies:
I LOVE them! I’m not always a recipe sort of person, so I’m just going to share some principles here. Create your own, and share in the group what you created!
Basic Smoothies:
1. You need a blender.
2. You need a liquid base. This can be water, milk, coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk, or something like rice milk. I usually start with about a cup or cup and a half. Go ahead and put this in your blender.
2. Greens. If you desire greens now is the time to add. I would start with something like baby spinach. It’s mild. Don’t worry, you really won’t taste it in your smoothie. You will just reap the benefits. I put a big handful into the blender and blend until smooth. You will have a nice shade of green liquid.
3. Creaminess. I love my smoothies to be creamy. You can achieve this by adding a banana or something like an avocado. Again, blend until smooth.
4. Protein. If you want to add a little extra protein, you can find non flavored whey powder, nut butters, greek yogurt, or any other protein powders. You can find whatever you need for your body’s needs. You can find protein powders that are gluten free, dairy free, and soy free.
5. Fruit. Freeze your fruit. I love to add frozen berries. Add a little and blend to the consistency you want. I usually start with a cup. Blueberries make the smoothie have a purple color.
You can add stevia or honey to your smoothies, depending on whether you need to cut the carbs or not. And if you are EVER at a loss for ideas on smoothies, Pinterest is the never ending idea maker to create something just for your taste.
Smoothies can be green smoothies, fruit smoothies, veggie smoothies, detox smoothies, meal replacements, on the run nutrition, and great for snacks.
Treat Your Feet
• 2 Tablespoons of Cornmeal
• 1 Tablespoon of Mashed Banana
Stir cornmeal and banana together until evenly
blended. Massage paste all over feet, working into
calluses for about 30 seconds, or until skin feels
smooth. (Cornmeal exfoliates and has antifungal
properties!)
Take time out again for at least 5 minutes of “alone” time. Time where you take a few deep breaths and let out the stressors of the day. Even if you have to go into the bathroom and lock the door. DO IT! I’m starting you out on 5 minutes, because if you NEVER do it, even 5 minutes is a good start.
Be Well,
Joyce
