Physical

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Physical wellness emphasizes maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and preventive healthcare. Walking, hiking, yoga, or strength training enhances overall well-being. Preventive measures such as vaccinations, screenings, and regular check-ups contribute to long-term health. Hydration, balanced meals, and adequate rest are crucial in sustaining energy levels and reducing illness risk.

Wellness for Real-Life Tip(s) Discussed

Focus on your breathing – Breathwork (the practice of intentional breathing techniques), offers a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health, including stress reduction, enhanced sleep, improved lung function, boosted Immunity, enhanced focus and concentration, improved digestion, and increased energy levels. There are a variety of breathwork exercises to choose from. Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina’s favorites include:
Be intentional about staying hydrated – Maintaining proper hydration does several great things for your physical wellness, including carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells throughout the body, removing waste products, lubricating joints, supporting digestion, boosting energy levels, improving brain function, promoting healthy skin, reducing headaches, and aiding in weight loss. Whenever possible, opt for water over sugary beverages like soda; even diet options can negatively impact your wellness.
Cultivate good sleep hygiene all day long, not just in the evening – Quality sleep is foundational to physical wellness, contributing to positive outcomes like reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved immune function, regulated blood pressure and cholesterol, muscle recovery, and improved hormonal balance. While cultivating a healthy evening routine is important, good sleep hygiene begins when you wake up. One way to do this is by getting natural sunlight in the morning to help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm and promote melatonin production at night.
Challenge the way you think about exercise – Among other things, exercise can help control weight, improve cardiovascular health, build stronger bones and muscles, and regulate mood. As little as 15 minutes of rigorous activity per week can make a difference for your wellness. Look for ways to build opportunities for movement into your day like parking farther from your destination or getting off one bus stop down the line. Also, when you move matters. Fifteen minutes of gentle movement after a meal can help regulate blood sugar.
Try to eat at regular intervals – Even if access to healthy foods is a challenge, eating at regular intervals can help regulate your blood sugar. It can be helpful to carry a small supply of healthy fats like nuts because they help you feel satiated, making it easier to resist cravings. If you’re short on time, try raw recipes or prepare smoothies in advance.
Make preventative care a priority and become familiar with transportation options – Going to the doctor when you’re well, not just when you’re sick, is a great habit to promote wellness. If transportation is a challenge, there are resources that may be able to help:
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) through Medicare and Medicaid
Senior Disability Services
Public Transportation and/or Campus Shuttles
Some Churches Offer Transportation Assistance
Mobile Clinics, like the LION Mobile Clinic
Consider ways to nurture wellness at the community level – Community events like concerts, festivals, and nature works can nurture multiple degrees of wellness and can strengthen support networks. The Cooperative Extension System provides low or no cost programs that can help promote wellness.