We are bombarded with information on the best way to live. From government advice to social media, there is an abundance of guidelines, articles, books and influencers telling you the best way to live your life. Social media in particular, can give us an unrealistic view on other peoples lives, leading us to believe that our own lives are lacking in some way. Wellness is a common term used in relation to living, but the idea of wellness can become addictive. We can become obsessed with diets, lifestyle hacks, exercise routines, supplements, alternate therapies, self care rituals and so much more.
All of this is great, but only if its actually working. Sometimes if we aren't doing these things we can feel like we are failing. The opposite outcome to what we were hoping for. I wanted to write this article to encourage you to take a step back, out of the rush and take a minute of true self care and reflection. Ask yourself, am I well? How do my everyday activities truly affect me? Do they benefit me? What should I include more of and what do I need to cut out?
How to live life for you:
Test and try things out. Something that works for someone else may not work for you. Our individuality is what makes the world interesting.
Find your tribe. Sometimes, doing what the people around you are doing is actually bad for you, even if it looks fun. Don't be afraid to be the one who is different, and if its a problem, you can find more people like you. This blog may seem like its hating on social media, although thats not the case. You can use social media in a beneficial way to find your tribe.
Listen to your mind and body. The more attentive you are to the signals your mind and body give, the easier it will be to decipher what self care rituals and lifestyle hacks actually suit you and which don't.
Don't take life to seriously. Yes its easier said than done, but if a diet or exercise routine isn't making you happy, scrap it. You need both a healthy body and mind, try to find a diet, exercise and lifestyle routine thats in balance.
Value the slow moments. Social media shows our lives at their fastest. The latest holiday, restaurant visit, paddle boarding trip, night out with friends. As much as these moments are fun, place value and enjoyment in the slower moments. We need to have the yin to complement the yang. The balance.
Don't believe everything you see. Most people spend many nights at home, are not on holiday 365 days of the year and don't have the endless supply of money that they appear to on social media. Consider taking part in #offline48, where you ditch social media for the weekend, focusing on the present moment, yourself, your family and your friends around you.
Don't believe everything you see. Most importantly, they are not always that happy. Yin and yang apply to our emotions too. we all have moments of both happiness and sadness. If you are lucky enough to experience every type of emotion, it means you are living your life.
Keeping it short and sweet, I hope you find these small pieces of advice helpful. Wellness is individual to you. You are doing great in life, even when you don't feel like it. Im a strong believer in the concept of 'you are where you are supposed to be'. Every moment is part of your journey and you can learn from it, good or bad. Most importantly, live your own life. Take the advice where it benefits you and discard the rest.
You've got this.
Lottie x
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