Wellness can often feel like an all-or-nothing pursuit — like if you don’t have time to do it all perfectly, you may as well not bother with anything at all. But even small, simple changes can drastically improve your health. Get started with one of these current wellness tips.
1. Practice Mindfulness
Meditation is really a powerful tool to build awareness, ease stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation in your body. As with all new habits, it will require some time for you to adjust to a meditation practice, so it’s important that you maintain a consistent routine until it becomes second nature. It doesn’t need to take up a significant portion of your entire day; start by setting aside five or 10 minutes. (For more meditation tips, see “Where to start a Daily Meditation Practice.”)
TRY IT:
- Meditate very first thing in the morning to completely change the way you begin your day. Instead of frantically rushing out of the door, take some time to tune in to your inner self and hang your goals for the day.
- Mornings not great for you? Experiment with an evening meditation like a pre-bedtime ritual. Set aside your electronics and spend a few minutes concentrating on your breath. Over time, your practice will prepare your body for a good night’s sleep.
2. Embrace Natural Beauty
Ditch the mainstream personal-care products, a few of which contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. These days, there are more natural and safe solutions on the market to help you help your beauty regimen into a green routine. In the long run, it will benefit your health and also the environment, too. (For more on the health risks of synthetic fragrances, see “The issue With Perfume.”)
TRY IT:
- Read labels. When reading ingredients labels — for food or personal-care products — a good rule of thumb is “Less is more”: Search for beauty products with few ingredients, especially natural ones you already know, like coconut oil. Avoid phthalates and parabens whenever feasible.
Consider DIY solutions. There are many natural versions of cleansers, moisturizers, and more. You can easily make your own lipsticks by mixing melted beeswax, castor oil, sesame oil, and a little bit of beet juice. You may also use plain, full-fat yogurt like a cleanser or facial mask. (For additional recipes and suggestions, see “DIY Beauty.”)
3. Eat Clean
It can be hard to eat healthy all the time, especially if you’re always on the go. But with careful planning, you can eat well wherever you are. This summer will bring some promising food trends which will satisfy your appetite and assist you to maintain your health priorities. (For additional on trends in the food industry, see “A Culinary Trend-Watcher’s Help guide to the New Year.”)
TRY IT:
- Golden turmeric milk is a popular beverage among health-minded folks, and its health-boosting properties may mean it has some staying power. It contains anti-inflammatory turmeric and curcumin, which are also believed to improve thinking processes and lower the risk of heart disease. Make golden turmeric milk your go-to drink for the summer to reap the benefits.
- Vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike look forward to even more plant-based meats — especially those made without gluten and soy — which are expected to hit shelves hard this year. Many plant-based alternatives look, taste, and cook just like meat, so you can reduce your meat consumption without neglecting your cravings.
4. Try Minimalist Packing
A summer getaway doesn’t have to mean a two-week vacation to overseas; maybe you’re looking forward to an enjoyable, socially distanced day trip with friends. Whether you select a nature hike, an open-air picnic, or a bike ride, be prepared with several travel essentials — but don’t go crazy. (For more tips on carrying your gear, see “How to Pack a Backpack.”)
TRY IT:
- The answer to minimalist packing is to concentrate on only the things you need. For example, don’t skimp on sun-protection. Bring a hat and a mineral-based sunscreen — and reapply often. (For suggestions about finding a safe and effective sunscreen, see “Which Sunscreen Is Right for You?”.)
- Also, stay hydrated. Bottled water is expensive and wasteful, so invest in a good reusable bottle that you can take with you anywhere you go. (To learn more about why to kick the bottled-water habit, see “Truth on Tap.”)
5. Create a Home Sanctuary
Your home is your safe place. It’s where you go to unwind, relax, and revel in time alone — but if your space isn’t welcoming and functional, de-stressing is going to be that much harder. Make your space work for you by clearing away any clutter. If your desk is smothered in loose papers, file them. If your living room is scattered with throws, fold them and put them away. (For more on how your home mirrors your mental state, see “The Emotional Toll of Clutter.”)
TRY IT:
- If possible, produce a happy spot in your home that’s just for you. It can be a quiet space inside your bedroom, or a reading chair in your living area. You can even set up a meditation corner for those times you need an escape and time to reflect.
- Add a comforting scent to your house by diffusing essential oils or lighting a candle. You can make a home instantly cozier with a familiar scent out of your childhood or one that is calming, like lavender or vanilla. (For additional on choosing your essential oils, see “What you ought to Know About Essential Oils.”)
This piece was updated on June 9, 2021.