2023 is here at last, and with the COVID years behind us, it’s time to now put our wellness caps on and look to the future. The uncertainty of the past few years has left some unwelcome baggage for a lot of people, and with other things looming this year (*cough* recession *cough*), it’s easy to get bogged down in the doom and gloom. That’s why we’re putting a focus on helping you embrace wellbeing this year! Let’s go ☟

It may sound obvious but get enough sleep: Getting those Zzz’s in is crucial for overall wellness. Aim for roughly 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule. This can take time to achieve and can make you feel like you’re missing out on things when you first get it underway, but it’s worth it in the long run!

Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support overall health and wellness. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t still have a Friday night takeaway or date night treats but avoiding too many processed foods and added sugars will lead to a happier relationship with your gut.

Another obvious one but stay active: Regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing stress. Aim for at least 30minutes of moderate-intensity exercise several times a week, and make sure you get moving daily – take your one-on-one to the streets and take a walk around the block while chatting.

Easier said than done, however try to manage stress: Chronic stress can have a negative impact on overall wellness and given how closely our brain and body is linked, it’s no surprise that a mental cloud can impact your physical psyche. Try to find ways to manage stress, such as through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. See if your business offers EAP, and even pop along for a few sessions just to chat in a judgement free zone. Seek out opportunities to mitigate the stress factors in your life.

Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is important for maintaining physical and mental health. Recent studies out of Japan indicate that the approximate value you should aim to drink per day is 1.5 to 1.8L, as you’ll absorb water in other ways throughout your day. The simplest way to achieve this is to have a drink bottle handy at your desk or within easy reach when at home. Make a concerted effort to drink from your bottle throughout the day and it’ll be second nature before you know it! 

Take care of your mental health: Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If you're feeling overwhelmed, seek out support from a mental health professional. As mentioned above, see if your work offers EAP and have a chat to a professional who can help you navigate your thoughts and moods. Consider asking your work to put in place a Mental Health First Aid Officer to offer initial support when it’s needed.

Love the community you’re in: Having a strong support system can help you navigate life's challenges. Make an effort to build and maintain relationships that matter to you, be it with family, friends or new relationships to come, and consider joining a group or club related to a hobby or interest. Variability is important, and having different hobbies to attend to, social commitments and more can help you on the road to a full life.

Plus, don't forget the importance of embracing the beautiful world around us. We kiwis grow up outdoors, and a quick trip to the beach to listen to the rolling tide, or to a reserve to get lost in the sounds of nature can do wonders for resetting your perspective.

Incorporating these tips into your daily life can help you become the best version of yourself in 2023. As with any life changes, make sure you consult a medical professional before doing any drastic changes, or if you’re not feeling yourself!

‍