31 Minutes of Wellness

Tis’ the season to more than likely abandon healthy routines.  This December plan to celebrate the season while remaining committed enough to your total well-being.  Each day or once a week or when you can, consider trying any or all of the following micro wellness activities:

1. Plank, wrap, repeat – When wrapping gifts, do a 60 second plank between each gift you wrap.
2. Gratitude – Identify one thing or person you are grateful for in the moment.
3. Lunge – Do walking lunges down your driveway or the sidewalk.
4. Stretch – Try starting the day off with a minute of stretching. 
5. Breathe – In and out, in and out and one more time in and out.
6. Wash your hands – Hand washing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep from catching and spreading colds, the flu and other illness and infections.
7. Get fat – Use avocado as a sandwich spread.
8. One minute workout – 20 seconds of squats, 20 seconds of burpees, 20 seconds of mountain climbers. Done.
9. Floss – Flossing your teeth does make a difference, for your smile and possibly for your overall health.  
10. Pack a healthy snack – Rather than waiting for hunger to strike or buying a sugary treat at the coffee shop, grab a healthy snack like nuts and an apple before you head out the door.
11. Meditate for 1 minute – Stress is a given during the holiday season.  To tap into your sense of calm and balance and begin to manage stress, try a quick meditation.  It can be as easy as closing your eyes and breathing deeply for a minute.
12. Take the stairs – Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
13. Sanitize your desk – No matter how organized your desk may be, it is bound to be harboring a bunch of germs.  Take a minute to give it a good wipe and don’t forget the keyboard.
14. Sip a glass of water – Grab a glass of water, drink it and hydrate your skin, body and brain.
15. Text a friend – Reach out just because.  Connection is key to our mental and emotional health.
16. Get outside – Step outside and take a minute to breathe in some fresh air and clear your head.  
17. Make your bed – It can be amazing what making your bed can do for your disposition, stress and feeling of productivity.
18. Take a tech break – For a minute (or two or three), give your eyes and mind a rest by doing without your computer, tablet, watch or cell phone.
19. Play music – Crank up your favorite song and get motivated.
20. One goal – Set the tone for the day by setting a small goal to feel accomplished.
21. Take 3 deep breaths – Ready, set, breathe. Again and again.
22. Lights out – Go to bed 15-30 minutes earlier than “usual”.
23. Smile!
24. Throwback – Scroll through your photos and find one from the past that brings back memories and send it to someone who you shared the experience with.
25. Forget your rules – Let yourself enjoy this day without an ounce of guilt – one day “off” might be the best gift you receive this holiday season.
26. Try something new – Take a different walking route, switch your side of the bed or listen to a new podcast…you get the idea, just try something different.
27. Say a positive affirmation – Rather than focusing on the negatives, focus on the positive.  Be your own cheerleader and compliment yourself.
28. Veg out – Experiment with a new vegetable for your salad, side dish, smoothie or as a snack.
29. Share – Reach out to someone and share your appreciation..
30. Celebrate – Take a moment to recognize and reflect on your achievements.
31. Plan – Hopefully, it has been a great month, now it’s time to re-commit to you, your routine, your goals and your intentions.  Bonus for writing them down or even better, share them with someone for accountability “insurance” now and into 2020.

 
Wishing you a truly happy and healthy holiday season.