15 Wellness Tips To Help You Live Your Best Life

What a year it's been, right? If you subscribe to our emails, you know that we've periodically been sending out Wellness Tips throughout the year. We've gathered them in one place for you, so that you can easily come back and reference them as needed!

Drink more water
This might sound redundant, but the reason why this is ingrained in our brain at an early age is because it’s the truth, our bodies need water to function. Our brains are made up of 70% water, meaning water intake is essential. The more water we drink, the better we feel. Our digestive system works better, which helps us burn more fat. Challenge yourself to purchase a reusable, eco-friendly, water bottle and increase your water intake throughout the day. In general, you should try to drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day. Help eliminate plastic water bottle waste for our planet, and improve your overall wellness for your body and mind.

Be present
We live in such a technology-driven, fast-paced, instantaneous world, that at times we forget to be present in the moment. Try setting down your phone when spending time with friends or family, truly engage in conversations. You’ll notice that you will feel more heard, and you in return will become a better listener for others. It’s fun and exciting to document milestones in our lives, but challenge yourself once in a while to enjoy being present in the moment.

Be mindful of others.
It's easy to get wrapped up in our own worlds, and at times, we may struggle to think of others. By taking a second to think about someone else, this may make someone else’s day ten times brighter. Simplicity is key here. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy, but small intentional steps may change someone’s entire perspective of humanity. Perhaps, next time you’re parking your car, park a little further back to allow someone that needs a closer parking spot to park closer to your destination. Or, pay it forward by paying for the person’s coffee in the line behind you. You never know if your small act of kindness may trigger a chain reaction.

Relax
It's a simple concept, but it can be hard to do with our busy schedules. Find whatever activity that relaxes you. For some, it may be painting or reading a book, for others it may be going for a nature walk. Many choose to take baths that promote relaxation. Whatever avenue you choose to take to help you relax, your body and mind will thank you. Carving out time to allow your body and mind to decompress will lead to an overall better well-being.

Volunteer in community activities
When we give back to our community, not only does our community prosper, but our hearts do as well. Volunteering our time, money, or expertise can benefit others. Perhaps, you could pick a Saturday to volunteer to clean up a local park, or next time you purge your closet, you could donate the items to a safe haven or a women’s shelter. These small acts of kindness leave a lasting impact in our minds, hearts and community.

Get In Touch With Nature
The natural world around us is spectacular. There’s nothing quite comparable to taking a deep breath in the open air and feeling your stressors from life fade away. In many ways, nature is medicine. Studies show that being outside in the great outdoors helps to decrease anxiety, depression, and boosts your immunity. Now that we are in the summer months, get out, go for a walk in the evening, ride a bike around the neighborhood, do an activity that involves being in nature. (Be sure to pack water and wear sunscreen too!)

Cook a Home Cooked Meal
We live in an instantaneous world. Everything that we want, we want instantly. Yes, it’s easy after a long day and to be tempted to order take-out, but sometimes easy isn’t the best for your overall health. Instead, try finding a new recipe you would like to try. Make a list of the ingredients and place your order online or take a trip to the grocery store. Taking the time to prepare your meal can allow your mind to decompress from all of life’s stressors. You may find yourself grateful for the effort you put into creating the meal. This mindset will travel into other avenues of your life if you take a step back and savor every moment. Yes, it may take a bit longer, but it’s worth it.

Switch to Natural Products
There are so many harmful chemicals that are hidden in products that we use every day on our bodies. Try making the jump and investing in natural-based hygiene products, even if you just start with one product at a time. Skin is our largest organ, so being conscious of what goes on your skin is as important as what you would eat. You will feel better knowing that you are contributing to the greater good by helping our planet. For an added bonus, consider switching your soap to a natural soap with sustainable packaging. You can read more about the benefits of using natural soap by clicking here.

Practice Deep Breathing
Studies have shown that deep breathing leads to detoxifying the body. We are designed to breathe in and breathe out to function. By taking a few moments to practice deep breathing, this allows our mind to rest. Start with 10 minutes and gradually increase your sessions over time. Try to aim for at least one deep breathing exercise per day. This process leads to decreased stress and anxiety levels. Give your mind time to rest, your body will thank you. You can read more benefits of deep breathing by clicking here.

Organize
Organization can get lost in our busy schedules at times. Try picking a room or location in your house and organize the items. (ex. pantry, bathroom drawer, medicine cabinet, closet, refrigerator, etc.). Have you seen the Marie Kondo Netflix show? She is the master at organization and finding joy...just remember if you start to show, don’t forget to press pause and actually try it out what she’s demonstrating. Clean out and get rid of items that need to be recycled, or thrown away. Consider donating unused items to a local shelter. Once you begin the pattern of organizing, this will lead to an overall positive feeling.

Go outside to play!
Here is an exercise you can do by yourself, or with your children or grandchildren. Take a piece of paper and a pen along with you. Find a spot in your garden or at a nearby park or even go on a random neighborhood walk. Pay attention to your senses. What do you see? What do you smell? What do you hear? You can make notes just for yourself or record the children’s reactions for a keepsake memory of the day. Maybe the exercise will encourage you to sketch or draw what you saw or become a regular activity with children. Make sure you’re not distracted by bugs by taking along a deet-free spray that is safe for you, children and pets. Salacia Salts Nauti Bugs Insect Spray checks all the boxes – safe, natural, and effective.

Sleep
Yes. Do you need a reason to take a nap? Sleep is an essential part of your overall wellness. How to combine a good mood with better sleep? Aromatherapy! The use of natural oils is proven to affect your mood. Give yourself a treat by spraying a relaxing blend of essential oils on your sheets before bed. Do a little research about all the benefits oils can bring to you.

Sweet dreams!

Meditate
Being calm and focusing on your breathing is always available. Once you master the ability to be still, meditation can be simple and an instant de-stresser. Whether you prefer to sit or recline, there are no rules other than giving yourself a “timeout”. To set the mood for your special just-for-you time, light a candle before you begin. There are many apps for beginners to use. Meditation is as easy as enjoying a few peaceful moments while listening to a voice that can guide you feeling more serene.

Candle recommendation: Choose a 100% soy based candle for a clean burn. Salacia has a line of travel tin candles wrapped in beautiful images by Savannah, Georgia artist Tiffani Taylor. Thirteen decidedly soothing Southern scents are available. 

Sweet Potato Chips
Yes, you heard right! Make time for a recipe for sweet potato chips in the microwave for added vitamins. It takes only minutes to make this a crunchy snack with lots of healthy benefits.

Combine thin sweet potato slices and olive oil in a large bowl; toss to coat. Arrange sweet potato slices in a single layer on a large microwave-safe plate; season with salt. Cook in microwave until chips are dry, crisp, and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Cool chips on plate before transferring to a bowl.

Visit this website for the original recipe, photos and notes about slicing.

Get Crafty
Using your hands and the gift of giving can be very theraputic. Make a gift to lift someone’s spirits. Include children or teens so they can participate and enjoy the pride of giving a gift they made themselves. Create an exfoliating scrub or create a custom clay mask. Salacia offers workshops and blending bar sessions, so drop in anytime during open hours or make an appointment for a guided class.