Life is busy! We hear ourselves say this umpteen times a day and we also know everyone else is dealing with the same juggling act. When it comes to health or wellness, it can feel like a massive undertaking that can quickly cause us to feel helpless, especially if we don’t already have some good momentum going in one area, let alone ALL the areas. We can fall into the trap of needing to do everything “just right” to achieve a state of holistic wellness.
At S.A.G.E., part of our belief is that self-compassion is the roof that shelters us from these potential big feelings of overwhelm, which essentially can become blocks to small yet monumental change. So let’s get you started on some easy to remember, gradual, and sustainable changes and embrace a balanced approach starting right now…
1. Start with Small, Manageable Goals
When it comes to holistic wellness, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of doing it all—eating the perfect diet, practicing daily meditation, getting eight hours of sleep, and finding time for regular exercise. However, this can quickly lead to stress and burnout. Instead of trying to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight, focus on one small, achievable goal at a time.
This is what the “A” in S.A.G.E. stands for – Awareness. We need to keep focused on ONE thing at a time so we don’t lose sight of our goals in the process and instead not do anything.
Need an example? Let’s say you’re looking to improve your physical wellness… Jot down or think about a few things that you have been saying you want to do (e.g. eat healthier or get more body movement), now pick one small thing and do it today, like drink more water, include one green smoothie per day in your meals! Don’t worry about the big picture…just start small.
2. Prioritize Self-Compassion
Alright…before we get away from ourselves…please remember that a huge aspect of holistic wellness is mental and emotional health, and we need to start by practicing self-compassion. We can often be our harshest critics, pushing ourselves too hard and expecting perfection. Or we might be the kind of person that is judging ourselves harshly because we are comparing ourselves to others. Remember, when you set wellness goals, it’s important to acknowledge that these are personal and meant to help you feel better, not make you feel “less than”. And let’s plan for setbacks – these are a normal part of the journey. Join us at S.A.G.E. in embracing the idea that wellness is a continual process, not a destination.
How can you put this into action? Forgive yourself for not doing those things you said you were going to do for your health…and then lovingly step into something that feels achievable and accessible today (see step 1).
3. Simplify Your Routine
Like we are saying, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you feel like you need a perfect, multi-faceted wellness routine – we’ve been there too! A long list of activities, from yoga to journaling to meal prepping, can quickly become burdensome, even though you might think that all of those things sound amazing to do. We all have af finite amount of time and we want to simplify our routine by focusing on just a few core practices that nourish the mind, body, and soul.
Want an example? Start each day with a five-minute stretching routine, followed by a glass of water to hydrate. Then, focus on eating one balanced meal and taking a short walk. The key is consistency and simplicity, not complexity. Once you feel comfortable with these small habits, you can gradually add more practices if desired.
5. Seek Support and Accountability
Holistic wellness is not a solo journey, and it’s okay to ask for support. Whether it’s joining a fitness class, chatting with a friend about emotional wellness, or seeking guidance from a therapist or wellness coach, having someone to share your journey with can make a huge difference. They can offer encouragement, advice, and help you stay on track without feeling like you’re doing it all alone.
Are you ready to join #TheFeelAliveMovement at S.A.G.E.? Holistic wellness is not about perfection; it’s about progress, balance, and self-compassion. By setting realistic goals, simplifying your routine, and seeking support, you can foster a sense of wellness without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, every small step you take toward better health—whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual—is WORTH IT. Let’s do this together!
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