Start the New Year Stress Free With These Holistic Wellness Practices

Written by: Cora Gold

The new year can bring a lot of unnecessary stress because of the pressure resolutions bring. Instead, opt for a gentler, kinder approach. Holistic wellness practices could help you feel more centered and refreshed this new year. No more chasing impossible goals or reprimanding yourself. Reclaim your own needs and hopes by focusing on nourishing your body and mind in the following ways.

Find Your Flow with Mindful Movement

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to move. Stop seeing exercise as just a means to reach your desired weight. This year, shift your thinking from intense and punishing workouts to reconnecting with your body.

The best kind of movement is movement you enjoy. Choose from a variety of exercises such as running, dancing, hiking, swimming, or yoga. Even a simple walk around the block counts. What’s important is that you’re present in the moment.

To help you improve your mindfulness, focus on taking deep breaths and paying attention to physical sensations your body experiences. Feel the warmth of sunshine or the coolness of water. Listen to and appreciate the soft chirping of birds outside. By practicing this, you cultivate presence and avoid dwelling on mental stress and clutter.

Embrace the Power of Water: Hydrotherapy for Deep Relaxation

One of the best ways to start off the year is to treat yourself to deep relaxation sessions. The modern world can be full of chaos and constant noise, so it’s essential to have moments of silence and calm for yourself. Dive into refreshing and stress-relieving waters through hydrotherapy.

This ancient practice utilizes various water temperatures and pressures to soothe your body and mind. It’s known to aid in recovery and reduce cortisol levels, which are the body’s primary stress hormones. The water surrounding you can help calm your mind. For a DIY approach, try relaxing in a warm salt bath or with a warm foot soak.

Nourish Your Second Brain: The Gut-Health Connection

Try chewing slowly and savoring each bite of your meals. Doing so will help both digestion and mindfulness of what you’re doing. One of the best ways to restore your gut is by consuming more fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi or sauerkraut in your daily dishes.

Besides that, consume more fiber. In fact, women need to consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day. The best way to do that is to increase your servings of fruits and vegetables. They aid digestion and are also usually packed with vitamins and micronutrients. A good rule to follow is to eat the rainbow — consume a variety of fruits and vegetables of all colors. Other sources of fiber include beans, legumes, nuts and seeds.

To aid your nutrition, consider supplementing probiotics, vitamins and other essential minerals to improve your gut microbiome, immune system and more. Consult your physician for tailored recommendations.

Schedule a Digital Detox

People are bombarded with notifications and tasks as soon as they wake up. Many find themselves scrolling through their apps for hours, neglecting other areas of their life. This heavy dependence on the digital world may be pulling you out of the real world. In fact, fatigue and anxiety are common side effects of too much screen time. To protect your time and mind, establish boundaries that separate online connectivity from the real world.

One of the best digital detox strategies is to avoid checking your phone for as long as possible. It might be tempting to look at your friends’ latest Instagram stories or TikToks, so keep your phone in another room. Focus on living your life — enjoy a slow and calm breakfast, then power through your workday after.

Another option would be designating “phone-free” rooms or areas. Are you constantly distracted when watching a movie? You may benefit from this rule. At the end of the day, you need to take steps to ensure you control your phone and tech rather than the other way around.

Your Year of Gentle Wellness

The new year ramps up the pressure on the goals people want to set for themselves. Instead, you can opt for more gentle and sustainable habits that ultimately bring peace and joy into your daily life.

Remember that you don’t have to adopt all these practices right away. Begin by focusing on one at a time. Whether that’s trying hydrotherapy or buying vegetables more often, small but consistent steps are the key to achieving well-being.