August is National Wellness Month, a time to prioritize self-care and well-being. As you embark on this journey, have you ever stopped to wonder what wellness truly means to you?
National Wellness Month, founded by Lisa Michaelis, CEO of Live Love Spa in 2018, serves as a vital reminder to invest in our self-care. The wellness industry’s captivating marketing narratives often leave us feeling pressured to believe that self-care comes with a substantial price tag.
When I partner with clients, our initial conversation centers around their own definition of wellness. Together, we unveil a personalized path that brings their unique vision of wellness to light. Each person’s definition of wellness is distinct. The true beauty of this process lies in uncovering these subtle yet meaningful individual differences.
Redefining Wellness
Wellness is multi-layered, woven from personal experiences, beliefs, and societal influences. My own definition of wellness has evolved over the years, influenced by my family and friends, healthcare practitioners, and the groundbreaking work of Halbert L. Dunn.
Dunn, a pioneer of wellness, introduced the concept of high-level wellness in the late 1950s. He recognized that our well-being is dynamic, not static, and encouraged us to view it along a continuum. This holistic approach, where balance and purposeful direction are paramount, challenges the conventional “sick” or “healthy” categories.
The Influence of Wellness Marketing
The bombardment of messages from pharmaceutical companies, fitness brands, celebrities, social media influencers, and authorities can also shape our perception of wellness. They frequently suggest that wellness necessitates specific products or services, often with a hefty price tag attached. Many of my clients initially point to time and money as barriers to their self-care journey.
However, upon closer examination, we often discover that these barriers are, in part, products of the wellness marketing machine.
Affordable Self-Care Ideas
Let’s challenge the notion that self-care requires a significant investment of time and money. Here are a few ideas generated by my clients:
- Ground yourself by walking barefoot on natural terrain.
- Immerse yourself in the present by closing your eyes and attuning to your surroundings.
- Express yourself through song.
- Find tranquility with deep, mindful breaths.
- Enhance your flexibility with stretching exercises.
- Reconnect with nature and observe its beauty.
- Unleash your creativity with coloring.
- Embrace the calming effect of water on your hands or feet.
- Experience the therapeutic benefits of petting a cat.
- Cultivate your inner artist by writing a poem.
I invite you to experiment with what feels like a fit for you and to add your own self-care ideas to this list.
As we near the end of National Wellness Month, remember that wellness is as unique as you are. It’s not about breaking the bank or losing precious hours. It’s about discovering what truly nourishes your mind, body, and soul. By defining wellness on your terms and exploring affordable self-care options, you can embark on a fulfilling journey towards a healthier, happier you.
So, what does wellness mean to you?
Schedule your FREE 15-minute self-care call with me via the contact form or by emailing sue.murphy@wavelengthwellbeing.com to start your exploration.
