As 2023 is on the horizon, now is a great time to envision your wellness goals for the upcoming year. While many people tend to set ambitious goals of losing weight or running a marathon, it is important to remember that any step toward health and well-being, whatever that may look like to each person, is an overall benefit.
I believe that simple at-home wellness activities can go a long way in helping to promote overall wellness for someone. From self-care practices that can encourage a sense of relaxation and calmness to simple exercises to encourage flexibility and strength, many different practices can be beneficial to your health. It is also important to have fun and not take it too seriously in order to prevent burnout, and instead, try to create long-lasting wellness practices that you enjoy.
Here are some tips for having the best DIY wellness practices in your pocket.
One of the biggest challenges for starting a daily at-home wellness routine is the lack of time we often have. After a long day of work and taking care of the kids, working out or taking part in self-care activities can be the last thing on your mind. In order to establish a routine that is long-lasting, I recommend starting off with doing some short and easy wellness activities that can easily be done at home.
For example, creating a stretching schedule to increase flexibility or doing short reps of easy cardio exercises can be great ways to start. You can always increase the frequency with which you do these activities as you continue your wellness journey. Today, there are several apps and websites that offer easy and quick workout examples, which are great for a DIY fitness program.
The most important aspect of starting a new wellness plan is celebrating your accomplishments and not being too hard on yourself. There may be days when you cannot work out or meditate, and that is OK. Acknowledge the ways you have done well, and get excited about what you can accomplish the next time.
Personally, my favorite wellness activities center around yoga, stretching and mindfulness. The mind-body connection is real and vital to your overall well-being. These activities are also appropriate for all ages and abilities, and many people are already familiar with the practice.
In particular, meditation is something that can be easily done at home, and it can have a profound impact on your well-being. At the resort where I’m a spa director, we have a membership that’s free for anyone, which includes an app to provide science-backed mindfulness tools and meditation options for everyday use.
In addition to at-home activities, I also recommend finding ways to get outside and get some fresh air. For example, here in Central Texas, we have several gorgeous state parks and trails that are ideal for exploring the outdoors. A change in scenery can encourage mindfulness, clarity and creativity, all while offering a great cardio workout. If you’re in the city, consider doing an urban hike. This option provides a great opportunity to see sites and experience the city in a new and fun way.
Overall, there are many things you can do at home to encourage wellness in your everyday life — you don’t necessarily need a spa membership. Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you are having fun and are creating practices that are worthwhile.
About the Author
Joe Herman is the Director of Spa and Recreation at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio. With more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, Herman has helped to provide unforgettable wellness experiences at hotels throughout the country from Kauai to the Florida Keys.