Wellness

Now, consider this radical alternative: you put yourself first. What would that look like?

During this #ConventionalToConscious journey, we’ve asked you to think about the big environmental picture: your ecological footprint, the waste you generate, the food you eat, your energy consumption, and more.  Given all of this information, it can be easy to forget to care for yourself and your body. But, YOU are a key piece of that big picture.

To take care of the planet, you must take care of yourself.

Making wellness a part of your lifestyle helps to guarantee that you have the energy and stamina to be an effective and enduring changemaker. In moments of high stress, wellness can feel like your lowest priority. But with a toolbox of techniques and a commitment to prioritizing your health, you will find that you can accomplish more in all parts of your life.

Here are 6 easy ways you can start taking care of your health:

1. Eat well. You are what you eat, and eating healthy, FLOSN Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, Non-GMO foods not only takes care of your body, but the planet too. It’s a win-win!
2. Get your zzzzz’s. You know you need your sleep, but sometime an all-nighter seems like the easier option. Instead, prioritize a good night’s sleep. It helps you retain information and perform better, plus sleep helps your muscles grow, repairs tissues, and synthesizes hormones. Sleep. It is one of the best things you can do for your health.
3. Explore holistic alternatives. Holistic medicine works to help people regain balance in their lives by considering the whole person — body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Before you reach for traditional medications that often have side-effects consider natural remedies and preventive self-care
4. Study smart. There are plenty of things to distract you when you are studying. Instead, try to turn off your phone and internet when you are hitting the books. Those wasted hours on Snapchat are put to much better use hanging out with your friends in person or sleeping! Try the Pomodoro method as a way for time management.
5. Follow your bliss. Have some fun! Carve out some time in your schedule to do something that brings you joy and helps you to relax. Whether that’s going for a run, practicing yoga, meditation, painting, or playing frisbee in the quad take some time to do something that you love..

Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is being fully present and aware of the world around you. It has been proven to help manage stress, increase memory and attention, fight depression and anxiety, and even boost the immune system! Where to start? Try starting a simple meditation practice.