Wellness: What Does It Mean?

Wellness, may be a word you’ve heard a lot recently. If not, it’s the new buzzword for people trying to adapt to a more natural lifestyle. Many people have woken up to the idea that if we surround ourselves with more natural products, eat more natural foods and wear more natural fabrics, we may live a more natural lifestyle. Hence the increase in the amount of clothes being made from hemp, Chefs saying we should only eat food that’s in season and the media blaming the rise in asthma, eczema and allergies all on our “unnatural” plastic, hormone induced lifestyle.

It does make you wonder whether being natural has actually become “unnatural” for us now. As consumer we want to see all fruit, in season all the time. But is that actually good for us? Gorden Ramsey recently called for all restaurants to only work with food that is in season. As much as that’s for our benefit would the majority of people see it that way? Or would they see it as a way for Supermarket chains and restaurants to actually charge more for the things we want?

There has also been an increase in wooden furniture, stone flooring and natural products for the home. As well as being good quality and with the promise of lasting a lifetime, natural products can add a sense of wellbeing to your home.  I think as consumers we are becoming wary of cheap fixes and actually wonder why years ago our parents could buy one piece pf furniture that would last years, when now it seems to need replacing every 5-10 years instead. Although we are living in a “throw away” culture, I think there has been a turn towards good old fashioned morals – like “making things that last.” And that’s a good thing.

Some people are focusing on their “Wellness” in all elements of their life. Growing their own vegetables, using only environmentally friendly products, reusing plastic bags (or not using them at all), riding their bikes to work rather than taking the car. And these are all positive steps to a more rounded and healthy lifestyle.  

There are several stages of Wellness. If you’re not ready to turn your carefully maintained lawn into a vegetable patch yet, or to grow your armpit hair so long you could plait it, or to give up all plastic and chemicals in your home, then why not try some of our easy first steps into “Wellness”:

1. Look at your furniture and fittings in your home- what’s it made of, how long have you had it, when was the last time it was cleaned? Does it live in harmony with you and your lifestyle or is it rarely used and just taking us space?
2. Recycle- ask your local council to provide you with recycling bins. Or find out where your local recycling centre is and use it. Keep three bags by you bin, so you separate rubbish as you get it.
3. What’s in your fridge? Is the food in date/ in season? Have a clear out and replace it only with food that’s in season. It doesn’t have to be organic but if you can afford it -why not? Check the labels of food you’re buying. Try and make sure you buy things with only natural ingredients, not with added colours and sugars.
4. Honey is a great replacement for sugar. Fresh juices a great replacement for caffeine. Decaf tea and coffee are better than full-caff. Or even better just drink water with a squeeze of lemon it. Try and detox your body from all its toxins. Speak to you doctor about it and they can advise you on the best way to detox.
5. Get rid of any clutter and junk in you home- Car boots sales, charity shops and jumble sales all welcome unwanted goods. Free your home from clutter and you’ll open the door to new opportunities (and less dust mites).
6. What chemicals do you use in your home? Think about the cleaning products you use- there’s a whole range of natural cleaning solutions available in supermarkets now that don’t have harmful chemicals in them. Instead of air fresheners try natural air fresheners such as bunches of lavender, or pot purri.
7. What chemicals do you put on your body?  Have a look at the ingredients that are in your shower gel, deodorant, shaving foam, toothpaste – there are great alternative out there without all the colorings and chemicals
8. Start growing your own vegetables. Not only will it keep you fit and active but you’ll feel great when you’re actually eating something you’ve grown that hasn’t been pumped full of chemicals.
9. Establish dome form of exercise. Whether it’s walking around the block every night, yoga classes, bike riding or simply jogging to the local shop. Get your body moving, breath in the fresh air and you’ll feel great.
10. Write down 5 good things about yourself and read them every day. Wellness is also about taking care of yourself. How many times have you felt guilty about not staying in touch with old friends, eating too much or being a bad neighbor? Right all the wrong and remind yourself what a good person you really are. It will boost your self esteem.
11. Get involved in the local community. Care about the environment you live in.
12. Help out at a soup kitchen, collect charity bags or organize an event – give back a little and you’ll get a lot in return
13. Arrange a coffee morning (decaf) to meet your neighbors. Do you even know your neighbours? Well now’s a great time t make some new friends and catch up with old ones.
14. Have a wealth check. Are you finances in check? Look at your account and make sure all your Direct Debits are being paid on time and that no-ones taking money out your account when they shouldn’t be. One f the main causes of sleepless night sin money worries. Visit you local bank and ask to see a financial advisor to help sort out your finances and out plans for the future into shape.