There’s more to being well than eating right and exercising! Wellness wheels showcase several aspects contributing to an individual’s health and fulfilling life.

National Wellness Month emphasizes the need to slow down and focus on small yet impactful lifestyle changes that lead to long-term wellbeing. Wellness should be an ongoing priority without being overwhelming. While August lasts for only 31 days, the habits and practices developed during National Wellness Month can lead to lifelong improvements.

Ways to Celebrate National Wellness Month
  1. Prioritize self-care – Engage in activities that you enjoy! They should make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
  2. Improve your diet – Add more whole foods, fruits, and vegetables into your meals to prevent disease and enhance energy levels.
  3. Increase physical activity – Whether it’s a daily walk, yoga, or a fitness class, staying active is crucial for a healthy body and mind.
  4. Stay hydrated – Drinking enough fluids daily is essential for digestion, circulation, and other bodily functions.
  5. Practice mindfulness and stress management – Deep breathing exercises, journaling, and meditation help manage stress and improve mental clarity.
  6. Get adequate sleep – Prioritizing quality sleep enhances mood, cognitive function, and physical well-being.
  7. Connect with others – Social interactions and meaningful relationships are vital for emotional health. Spend time with family, friends, or support groups to stay connected.
  8. Set wellness goals – Establish realistic goals. Track your progress to stay motivated throughout the month.

 

Setting wellness goals is an effective way to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. No matter what you want to improve, establishing clear goals can keep you motivated and focused. By taking small, manageable steps toward better health, you can create sustainable routines supporting year-round wellbeing.

 

10 Ways to Set Wellness Goals 
  1. Define your wellness priorities – Identify areas of wellness to focus on.
  2. Set SMART goals – Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound to track progress effectively.
  3. Start small and build gradually – Begin with manageable changes and increase over time.
  4. Create a wellness plan – Outlining the steps will help you reach your goals. Include deadlines and action items.
  5. Track your progress – Use journals, apps  or trackers to monitor your achievements. Adjust along the way, if needed!
  6. Stay accountable – Share your goals with someone or join a group and check in regularly.
  7. Incorporate mindfulness – Meditation, deep breathing or gratitude journaling supports mental and emotional wellness.
  8. Adapt to challenges – Be flexible and willing to adjust your goals if circumstances change. Be kind to yourself.
  9. Reward yourself – Celebrate small milestones with rewards that encourage your progress.
  10. Make wellness a lifestyle – Integrate healthy habits slowly so they become a long-term part of your life. Consistency is key.

Finally, consider a wellness wheel’s shape as well its dimensions. As a circle, there’s no starting point. It’s ongoing. As is in life, it’s never too late to start. Hop on that wheel and roll into wellness. Create your own path with that wheel.  Wellness is a journey, not a destination. Cue more wellness puns and clichés . . .