Starting your wellness journey can be a little overwhelming. So here are 10 things you must know for a strong beginning.
My journey into wellness began around two years ago, and looking back, I’ve picked up some valuable lessons I wish I knew when I started. At first, it was a bit of a back-and-forth – trying to eat well and exercise, then slipping back into old routines. It’s important to know that building a healthier lifestyle isn’t always straightforward, especially when life gets busy or you’re not getting enough sleep because you have a little one. But don’t worry, things do improve over time.
When my daughter turned one, I felt a positive change starting to take shape. I decided to get back into my wellness journey, with a fresh perspective. Now, I want to share ten things I’ve learned with you, things that could have made my journey easier if I knew them from the beginning.
Starting a wellness journey might seem overwhelming, like trying to find your way in a big new place. But these simple truths I’m sharing can make a big difference in how you start and stick with it. I believe in continuous learning, and while there’s a lot more to discover, these ten points are a solid beginning.
Think of it as a guide to help you navigate the beginning of your wellness adventure. I’m using keywords like “health and wellness journey,” “wellness habits,” and “wellness vision” to capture the essence of what this journey is all about. So, join me as I share these insights that can give you a boost in starting your journey towards a healthier and happier you.
This post is all about 10 things you must know when starting your wellness journey.
Wellness Journey
What Is A Wellness Journey?
A wellness journey is a journey towards feeling better and being healthier. It’s all about making positive changes in your life that help you become the best version of yourself. This journey involves taking small steps every day to improve your physical health, mental well-being, and overall happiness.
It’s not just about diets or exercise routines, but also about finding a balance that works for you. So, think of a wellness journey as an exciting adventure where you explore new wellness habits, learn more about yourself, and gradually create a healthier, happier life.
10 Things You Must Know During Your Health And Wellness Journey
1. Consistency Over Intensity
When I began my health and wellness journey, my main focus was on pushing myself to the limits. I aimed for high-intensity hour-long workouts at least four times a week, convinced this was the only way to shed my post-baby weight. However, reality soon set in. Balancing an hour each day with my busy schedule as a mum proved nearly impossible. That’s when I adjusted my approach, opting for 10 to 20-minute sessions five times a week. Surprisingly, this change led to rapid improvements in both my physical and mental well-being.
This change in routine led to newfound consistency, a quality I had struggled with during my hardcore hour-long workouts. I had fallen into the trap of thinking that if I couldn’t commit fully, then there was no point in trying at all. Shifting to a more manageable routine led to a sustainable path.
Consistency emerged as the true key to achieving results. It’s a valuable lesson that extends beyond exercise. When starting your wellness journey, be it in healthy eating, workouts, or daily habits, remember that consistency, not intensity, is the key. Prioritizing intensity often leads to overwhelm and abandonment.
A saying comes to mind: “Fit the changes into your lifestyle, don’t change your lifestyle for the changes.” For instance, if only 10 to 20 minutes can be accommodated, that’s perfectly sufficient. Attempting to force an hour-long workout into an already busy life isn’t necessary. Believe me, shorter workouts can lead to results because it’s consistency that fuels results, not intensity.
2. Progress Is Personal
How often do you catch yourself comparing your progress to others, especially those who’ve been at it longer? Whether it’s your journey or theirs, remember, progress is deeply personal and varies for each of us. Our unique bodies, mindsets, and lifestyles play a role, and this makes progress a non-linear journey.
When I started my health and wellness journey it was primarily focused on weight loss. I was so focused on the scale that I was checking my weight weekly. Yet, this constant monitoring left me so confused as my weight seemed to fluctuate so much. What I realized was this: everyone’s progress takes its own path. While the scale might not always reflect it, change shows up in how we feel, look, and even how clothes fit.
Our bodies are beautifully different, meaning our progress is equally unique. My weight fluctuations were influenced by hormones, and even though I sensed and saw positive changes, my body’s fat distribution differed from someone else’s. This explained why the scale’s number remained steady despite my visible results.
Avoid comparing your journey to another’s. Base your progress on how you feel, how much you’ve grown, and how your mindset has evolved. Most importantly, let go of that number on the scale – it holds no real significance. Your journey is yours alone.
3. Prioritize Mental Health
As we begin our health and wellness journey, it’s common to focus solely on our physical health and overlook our mental well-being, assuming everything is okay. Let’s clear this up: each one of us faces situations affecting our mental health, often caused by the stress of our busy lives.
When I started, my primary goal was weight loss, which unfortunately led me to ignore my mental health. In doing so, I neglected self-care, rest, and finding peace. I underestimated the importance of giving myself rest and the impact it had on my journey.
Through my own experience, I’ve become a firm believer that physical results are closely linked to mental health. For instance, wanting to lose a few pounds while ignoring stress can hinder progress. Stress not only slows metabolism but also encourages overeating, particularly comfort and high-calorie foods.
Caring for your body goes hand in hand with looking after your mind and soul. I’ve put together a blog post filled with self-care ideas that cater to all three: body, mind, and soul. Click HERE if you want to learn more. Remember, a balanced approach including both physical and mental well-being is the real key to a successful wellness journey.
4. Importance Of Gut Health
Starting your wellness journey is all about achieving complete health. I completely overlooked the significance of gut health – and to be honest, I did not even know how important it was. However, your gut’s well-being is truly fundamental; without a healthy gut, achieving overall health becomes a challenge.
A thriving gut results in improved skin, an immune system, a boost in metabolism (related to weight loss as well), and much more. Thus, when you start your health and wellness journey, emphasizing healthy habits that enhance your gut health is absolutely important.
Just last week, I shared a blog post where I revealed the ten healthy habits I’ve incorporated into my life, leading to a significant improvement in my gut health. If you’re interested and eager to learn more, I encourage you to click HERE to discover these transformative habits that hold the power to elevate your gut health.
5. Finding Balance
Embracing balance has been a game-changer in my wellness journey. The 80/20 rule, at the heart of my approach, is a simple yet powerful guideline. Picture it like this: 80% of the time, you’re making healthy choices – eating well, exercising, and sticking to your wellness habits. The other 20% is about taking a breather, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying treats that might not be super nourishing.
This shift in mindset has truly transformed how I approach wellness. The magic here is that it’s not about being rigid or sticking to a strict plan. The 80/20 rule acknowledges that life happens, and that’s okay. A rigid routine can lead to burnout and inconsistency. Instead, balance keeps things sustainable and enjoyable. It’s like having a safety net that prevents you from going off course while giving you room to savor life’s pleasures.
The lesson is clear: starting strong is great, but what truly matters is maintaining the journey. Balance serves as your guide, helping you blend health and happiness effortlessly. Keep in mind, it’s not about perfection – it’s about finding that perfect balance between making thoughtful choices and enjoying life, all while staying committed to your wellness goals.
6. Meal Planning/Prepping
Sticking to healthy eating and better food choices is a vital part of your wellness journey for overall health. But, let’s be honest, it’s not always easy – especially when tempting unhealthy options are everywhere.
Here’s my secret: meal planning. It’s been a game-changer for us. It keeps us on track and prevents us from making impulse buys or grabbing takeout at the last minute. I’ve got a whole blog post dedicated to meal-planning tips that are simple to follow and will make healthy eating during your wellness journey much more manageable. Click HERE to read more
Another thing to keep in mind is having a clear wellness vision. Before you start, know what you’re aiming for. Whether it’s addressing health concerns, losing weight, or boosting your energy, having a clear goal makes everything easier. It guides you in choosing the right foods to support your journey.
To sum it up, staying consistent in your healthy eating journey comes down to practical strategies like meal planning and having a clear idea of where you want to go.
7. Enjoy The Process
In the world of health and wellness, remember that it’s a journey. The term “journey” is there for a reason. Getting healthy and improving your overall well-being isn’t a one-time goal; it’s about thinking long-term. There will be good days and tough ones, times when you make big progress, and times when it feels like you’re starting from scratch.
But here’s the key: If you don’t approach your wellness journey as a real journey, something that takes time, you might find it hard to stay consistent and build that healthy lifestyle you want.
For instance, I started my health and wellness journey about 2 years ago. In the beginning, I didn’t have all the answers and made mistakes. Now, I can share what I’ve learned, but I also understand there’s a lot more ahead. That’s because this is a journey, not a race.
So, enjoy the process. Shift your focus from just wanting quick results to embracing the journey itself. Find joy in the process of becoming a healthier and happier you. Remember, this journey is where the real transformation happens, where you lay the groundwork for lasting well-being.
Repeat after me: Marry the process, divorce the results!
8. Listen To Your Body
Paying attention to your body might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked, especially when we start our wellness journey. That’s why I’m highlighting it as something essential to know as you begin.
Listening to your body can happen in different ways. Imagine this: during a workout, you might feel like you’re pushing too hard. Ignoring that feeling can lead to injuries. Another common thing is burning out. Overdoing it often results in burnout, and the consequence is giving up, reduced consistency, and prolonged achievement of desired results.
Here’s a relatable scenario: Many times, I have workouts planned for the day, whether it’s in the morning or evening. However, as a busy mum constantly on my feet, handling chores, cleaning, and looking after my toddler, some mornings my body feels fatigued and worn out. It’s a clear sign that it’s not ready for an intense workout, and pushing it might do more harm than good.
So, remember to listen to your body. It’s not just about going through the motions but genuinely understanding what your body is telling you. This simple yet meaningful practice can save you from setbacks and ultimately pave the way for a successful and sustainable wellness journey.
9. Embrace Flexibility
I schedule and plan every part of my life, including my workouts. At the beginning of my wellness journey, this left me feeling stressed, struggling to complete workouts or wellness routines. That’s why I shifted from aiming for hour-long sessions to shorter, more manageable ones – a lesson in embracing flexibility.
Embracing flexibility means understanding that life can get in the way. There might be unexpected events or days when your schedule is packed, making it hard to stick to your wellness habits. It’s essential to know that not sticking to the plan occasionally is okay. For example, if I planned a 20-minute workout and a healthy meal but my day gets crazy, I might settle for a quick 10-minute stretch/workout or order takeout. This flexibility helps maintain consistency over the long term.
In simple terms, embracing flexibility means being kind to yourself. It’s realizing that life can change, energy levels can vary, and it’s okay to adapt. This approach creates a wellness routine that’s doable and adaptable, ensuring that your journey remains steady and enjoyable in the long term.
10. Educate Yourself
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of education. Dive into learning about health, habits, nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and anything else relevant to your wellness journey. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make informed choices, encouraging progress as you work towards a healthier lifestyle.
Some of the ways I like to educate myself are by reading books and tuning into podcasts that cover topics I’m eager to improve in. Your learning journey can take any form you prefer. The point is, when you educate yourself, you pave the way to creating a healthy lifestyle the right way. This path is all about progress, and by constantly seeking knowledge, you’re ensuring your growth as you work toward a healthier and happier you.
I hope you found this guide valuable.
Make sure to follow my socials – Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Amazon Storefront, and LikeToKnowIt – for more healthy lifestyle content!
Lots of love, Mariam x
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This post was all about 10 things you must know when kick-starting your wellness journey.
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