Wellness is a Personal Choice: Setting Boundaries and Building Healthy Habits

Wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey—it’s a personal choice. Every day, we wake up with the opportunity to make decisions that align with our goals, values, and vision of what it means to be well. Whether it’s taking supplements, starting the day with a healthy breakfast, or simply making your bed, these small, intentional actions create a foundation for a positive and productive day.

Building Wellness Through Habits

Wellness starts with the habits we choose to prioritize. It doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym or a restrictive diet. It can be as simple as:

? Getting up 10 minutes earlier to stretch or meditate.

? Drinking water instead of soda.

? Taking a walk during your lunch break.

? Keeping a daily routine, like making your bed, to feel more organized and accomplished.

These choices may seem small, but they build momentum. Each positive habit strengthens the next, creating a ripple effect that supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Research even suggests that starting your day with small accomplishments, like making your bed, can lead to increased productivity and overall satisfaction throughout the day (Duhigg, 2014).

The Role of Supplements in Wellness

In addition to building healthy habits, supplements can play an essential role in wellness when used appropriately. For example:

? Multivitamins help fill nutritional gaps in the diet, supporting overall health (Huang et al., 2006).

? Vitamin D boosts immune function and supports bone health, especially for those with limited sun exposure (Pludowski et al., 2018).

? Omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve heart and brain health (Swanson et al., 2012).

It’s important to note that supplements should complement, not replace, a healthy diet and lifestyle. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement regimen to ensure it’s tailored to your individual needs.

The Role of Boundaries

Another critical component of wellness is learning to set boundaries. Wellness isn’t just about what you do; it’s also about what you say no to. Whether it’s declining an extra work project to protect your mental health or stepping away from negative conversations, boundaries create the space you need to focus on what truly matters.

Boundaries are also crucial for maintaining balance. According to Dr. Brené Brown, setting boundaries allows us to care for ourselves without guilt or resentment, fostering healthier relationships and personal growth (Brown, 2012).

Leadership in Wellness

Choosing wellness is also a form of self-leadership. It’s about taking ownership of your actions and understanding that wellness is a personal journey. No one can do it for you. Every choice, from what you eat to how you spend your time, is yours to make.

Leadership in wellness also means respecting the choices of others. What works for you might not work for someone else, and that’s okay. Wellness isn’t about judgment; it’s about encouragement and support. By living your truth and making choices that align with your goals, you inspire others to do the same.

It’s Your Choice

At the end of the day, wellness is your personal choice. No one else can decide for you. Whether you choose to prioritize healthy habits or let them slide, it’s up to you. The key is to focus on what makes you feel your best and stick with it, even when it’s challenging.

Wellness is not about perfection—it’s about progress. Every small step matters. Every positive choice, no matter how minor it seems, is a step toward a better, healthier version of yourself. So, wake up every day, make your bed, take your vitamins, set your boundaries, and lead yourself with intention. The power is in your hands—choose wellness.

References

? Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Gotham Books.

? Duhigg, C. (2014). The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. Random House.

? Huang, H. Y., Caballero, B., Chang, S., Alberg, A. J., Semba, R. D., Schneyer, C., … & Bass, E. B. (2006). Multivitamin/mineral supplements and prevention of chronic disease. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment, 139, 1–117.

? Pludowski, P., Holick, M. F., Pilz, S., Wagner, C. L., Hollis, B. W., Grant, W. B., … & Soni, M. (2018). Vitamin D supplementation guidelines. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 175, 125-135.

? Swanson, D., Block, R., & Mousa, S. A. (2012). Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: Health benefits throughout life. Advances in Nutrition, 3(1), 1–7.