Wellness Wins Over Your Sunday Scaries

August is National Wellness Month, and since a lot of what we talk about in Combatting the Sunday Scaries is how to be well at, and while, working, it only makes sense to deep dive into some more specific tips inspired by this theme month.?

Years ago, I read a book published by Gallup called Well-Being, and I’ve remembered (and referred to it) ever since. Utilizing the data they gather through various polls and assessments (let’s hear it for Strengthsfinder 2.0!), Gallup established five areas of wellness that impact our overall well-being.?

We’ve taken some inspiration from that book, added our own flair, and a few of our own tips to bring you seven wellness-specific ways to improve your week, your year, and your life!

1. Physical Wellness

Y’all know I’m a big fan of this one. From my morning CrossFit routines to the countless outdoor adventures that challenge my physical abilities, I have fully embraced what we can learn by testing and pushing our bodies’ limits.?

Maintaining physical health through exercise and balanced nutrition is crucial for anyone who wants to get to and remain at the top of their game. The demands of executive leadership and entrepreneurship can only be met with the stamina that comes from a healthy you!

How to do it better: Make one small change to your diet or exercise routine this week. You can stop eating sugar, start going for evening walks, or go all-in on a new workout routine.?

2. Mental and Emotional Wellness

Learning how to manage stress, maintain a positive mindset, and set boundaries are just a few of the ways we can manage our energy.?

Mindset is 99% of the battle in just about any endeavor - intellectual, physical, social, etc - and knowing where to draw the line is important to reducing stress, building resilience, and developing the strong relationships that help our positivity alive and well!

How to do it better: Work on setting boundaries - even if it’s in one (tiny) place in life or work, start embracing the power of “no” when you can!

3. Social Wellness

As a Type A extrovert, socializing is a key part of my refueling plan. I talk to people all day on Zoom, but I’m also acutely aware that I need to interact with real-life humans just about every day, or I start to feel a little off my rocker.?

Developing connections, healthy relationships, and a support network give us the sense of belonging that every human desires at their core. Whether it’s going to the gym for social hour at 6 am, hitting up some networking events, or having a few friends over regularly, nurturing your social network is a key element to your overall well-being.

How to do it better: Go meet people! Hit up a networking event, host a picnic, or do something else that engages your social circle.?

This past week, I joined 20 other women on an evening mountain bike ride in support of a breast cancer organization raising awareness. It was a fantastic way to stimulate my social, environmental, intellectual, emotional, and physical wellness all at one time!?

4. Environmental Wellness

Pay attention to how your environment impacts your overall well-being, and how you impact your environment. Yep, this stuff goes both ways, friends!

At home, at work, out in the literal environment - how do your surroundings make you feel? How do you make others feel when you’re in the same space? Are you spending enough time in a variety of environments, and are you spending enough time in THE environment (i.e. nature)??

If your concrete jungle is getting the best of you, maybe it’s time for a vacation. Or a move ???

How to do it better: Turn off the TV and GET OUTSIDE! In case you’re out of ideas on what to do outside, you have 100+ editions of the Sunday Scaries for Angie-inspired adventures. ??

5. Intellectual Wellness

I’m sure you’ve heard the quote by Albert Einstein: “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” Extreme or not, there is truth to the fact that we are meant to be curious and continue learning throughout our lives.?

Gaining new knowledge not only helps us remain relevant and competitive at work, but it keeps neural pathways active and trains our brains to handle unexpected challenges. We can relate to others better, adapt, and make more informed decisions…the list goes on, but the bottom line is: brain health is a massively important area of your overall wellness.?

How to do it better: Admit you don’t know everything and go learn - from a course, a coworker, or a conference…there is no shortage of ways to gain new knowledge!

6. Financial Wellness

Money is one of life’s biggest stressors. It wrecks business, relationships, and so much more,? so get it under control. Managing financial resources effectively gives you options, helps you have more control over your future, and most importantly, reduces financial stress.?

Whether you need to revisit your budget, cut out a cup of Starbucks a day, or start saving, it’s time to set some financial goals and stay accountable to them.?

How to do it better: Review or create a budget to reduce your stress and gain control over your finances; bonus if you also pair that with a new and improved savings plan!

7. Occupational Wellness

This may not be a newsflash to a lot of you, but for some, it’ll strike a cord.

Do not underestimate the toll work-related stress takes on your overall wellness. Whether it’s the stress of owning a business, running a team, or dealing with a toxic situation, professional stress is one of the biggest drivers of overall well-being, largely because we do it more than we do anything else in life!?

Finding purpose, meaning, and contentment in your work supports productivity and fulfillment - and most importantly, leaves you with energy at the end of the day to do things you love even more!

How to do it better: If this one has you gasping…you know what to do.

#callme

Here's to a great week of improving your wellness!

Your Friend and Coach,?

Angie