The Women's Guide to Wellness: Part TWO | Physical Health

I’m not a big believer in resolutions, but I do love the idea of creating a set of guidelines for your life that you can lean on throughout the year as a foundation for well-being and happiness. 

Earlier this month, I published Part One of this series: The Women’s Guide to Whole Wellness in Relationships for 2023. If you haven’t read part one, I encourage you to head over and start there.

The definition and meaning of “wellness” is pretty subjective. So before I get into the guidelines I intend to follow in 2023 for my physical well-being, let me tell you a little about myself. This way, you can decide if this is the right post for you to read.

First of all, I am not a nutritionist or clinically certified health professional. I am a business owner, writer, brand strategist, mother, wife, and woman on a mission to live a life that is focused on health and wellness while not neglecting the importance of flexibility,  adventures, and having fun! I don’t believe that life is meant to be lived in a rigid box, and at the same time, I am aware that for many people out there, health is a rigid part of their life.

I have experienced many physical and internal health issues over the years, and because of that, I live with a few rigid constraints. For example, I can no longer eat gluten, my body doesn’t like it, and it makes me feel like sh*t. I wear sunscreen religiously because I have already had skin cancer, and cancer runs in my family.

But, I also grew up in an environment rigidly ruled by the ideals of my parents. We were vegan for many years, and neither of my parents drank alcohol. This works for them, but I matured into a woman that not only wants to focus on physical health but also desires flexibility. And I approach health in this manner. 

With that lens in mind, here are some of the habits and practices I’d like to build In 2023, along with the disclaimer that sometimes I will likely throw all of these out the window and enjoy a burger (lettuce-wrapped) and a glass of wine. 🤩

Find Strength in Flexibility

I’ve been an avid workout junkie for most of my adult life. Although sometimes, I look at myself and think, how is it possible that I work out as much as I do and still haven’t found the secret to growing five inches and removing about the same amount from my middle region? Then I remember that how I look physically isn’t the reason I work out, not really. It’s the mental support physical activity gives me that keeps me coming back for more!

For years I have practiced yoga, and then the pandemic hit, and I was stuck doing workouts at home. When restrictions were lifted, I found I was still stuck in my new routine of not going to yoga classes. 

The physical and mental benefits of yoga are endless. From better sleep to mobility and improved mood. I want more of it in my life! Just read this article from John Hopkins Medicine for more insights.

Yoga Challenge for 2023: Practice yoga for at least an hour twice a week. Will you join me?

Here is a great list of yoga class subscriptions from Hello Subscription.

Reset by Detoxifying

I don’t know if it’s just me, but the past few years have been tough. Sometimes, though, in 2022, I realized that I was using alcohol as a crutch. It truly was how my husband and I survived the insanity of the pandemic and other life-changing situations that evolved during the two years prior. Still, the habit and frequency of enjoying a nighttime beverage (or a few) had gotten out of our control.

I’ve never had an addictive personality, and the habit of drinking every day was getting to me. Part of my intention for health in the new year is to continue to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail when the moment is right but to decrease my overall alcohol consumption significantly.

Right now, I am participating in dry January, which I hope will kick off the year in the right way. If you’re not a “drinker” or are recovering from alcoholism, consider if there is something else in your life that has become an unhealthy addiction — maybe sweets, soda, fast food, etc. — and take a breather from that thing.

Alcohol (OR other food/Drink) Consumption Challenge for 2023: Find a week each month, or a four-week period, where you can remove a food or beverage from your life and detoxify your body.

Here are ten more reasons to take a break from alcohol in this article from RealBuzz.

Fortify from the Inside

Not to get too hippie-dippy here, but it is in my nature – to some degree – but if you are over the age of thirty, you need to be drinking some green juice regularly. I love a combo that includes celery juice.

Not only does it help with reaching healthy hydration levels, but helps combat inflammation, heart disease, and other ailments that come with again, and excessive consumption of processed food.

But everything in moderation is a good thing. Juices tend to remove much of the fiber that exists in the original fruit or vegetable, which is a downside. And it’s important to avoid juice combos with a lot of fruit included in them, especially if you have high blood sugar.

So if juice is not for you, try adding more green vegetables to each meal.

Read this article on the pros and cons of green juice from HealthLine.

2023 Greens Challenge: Add 50% more vegetables to your daily meals, either through drinking green juice a couple of times per week or increasing your mealtime green vegetables by 50%.

There are so many ways to take little steps that will lead to big results in improving the health of your body. If this list didn’t quite groove with you, let me know! I’d love to add your suggestions to this post as well.

And, in case you missed Part One of this series, read The Women’s Guide to Wellness in Your Relationships.