What Can You Do for National Wellness Month?

August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing self-care, managing stress, and promoting health routines. It's also the perfect opportunity to press pause on life's chaos and realign with what truly matters – your well-being. Whether you're new to wellness or looking to develop your self-care practice, this month is a chance to build habits that improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. 

At West Coast Recovery Centers, we're dedicated to helping you achieve overall wellness. This process is tailored specifically to your needs, goals, and definition of what wellness means to you. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, addiction, or things hindering our wellness journey, consider working with us today. 

Why Does National Wellness Month Matter?

Wellness isn't just about green smoothies and yoga classes – although we generally love both! Rather, it's about finding a balance in your life. That includes a balanced approach to caring for your whole self – body, mind, and spirit. When we're proactive about wellness, we're more equipped to manage stress, connect with others, and show up as our best selves in various areas of our lives.

Additionally, National Wellness Months encourage and emphasize intentionality. Rather than leaving self-care on the back burner, August invites us to take simple, daily actions that accumulate into long-term, meaningful change. If you've been wanting to make changes for some time but have felt stuck, this might be a sign to seek guidance today. 

Consider Creating a 31-Day Wellness Challenge

Making healthy, lifelong changes can be extremely challenging. Not only is it important to start with small, manageable steps, but it's equally necessary to make things fun! One fun and empowering way to celebrate National Wellness Month is by creating and committing to a 31-Day Wellness Challenge. The idea is to engage in one positive action each day that supports your overall well-being. These actions can be small but significant, helping you build lasting habits over time. 

To help get things started, we want to provide a suggested framework that you can customize to suit your needs! Some daily wellness categories you may consider focusing on include: 

• Mental wellness: Activities like journaling, practicing gratitude, and limiting social media can help declutter the mind and focus on what's truly important. 
• Physical wellness: Incorporating daily movement into your day by walking, stretching, or engaging in other activities. Also, prioritizing hydrating, eating nourishing food, and getting enough sleep can make a world of difference in your physical health.
• Emotional wellness: Practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises, spending time with loved ones, and simply allowing yourself time to rest can be great ways to regulate your emotions and maintain emotional wellness.

With these categories in mind, you might start experimenting with small daily changes. For example, a week celebrating National Wellness Month might look like this: 

• Monday: Experiment with journaling by taking 10 minutes to write about your intentions for the week.
• Tuesday: Try a new healthy recipe or make a meal you really love.
• Wednesday: Take a 30-minute walk in nature. Alternatively, break it up into a 15-minute walk on your lunch and another 15-minute walk when you get home. 
• Thursday: Practice 10 minutes of guided meditation or deep breathing. If 10 minutes feels too long, begin with 5-7 minutes.
• Friday: Try unplugging for a bit and avoiding screens after 8 p.m. Take time to read, reflect, or discover different tech-free unwinding activities. 
• Saturday: Spend time with friends or family by planning a night out or hosting a game night. 
• Sunday: Get amped up to plan your next week of self-care activities! 

Remember, trying these things out is about progress, not perfection. The goal isn't to do everything perfectly the first week, it's learning ways to incorporate self-care into your long-term day-to-routine. 

More Activities to Try This Month!

Along with a daily challenge, National Wellness Month is also a great time to experiment with new practices and tools. Here are some additional ideas to spark inspiration: 

• Try a wellness class that experiments with any movement, ranging from yoga to tai chi. 
• Start a gratitude journal and write down three things you're grateful for each night. 
• Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily and try infusing water with fruits or herbs for variety. 
• Create a calming space to cozy up in to read, reflect, or simply breathe. Candles, plants, and soft lighting can go a long way! 
• Do an extended digital detox or declutter and curate a digital space that uplifts and supports your mental health. 
• Nature is a natural healer. Take a solo walk in the park, by the beach, or through your neighborhood to clear your mind and group your energy. 

The Power of Small Changes

You don't have to overhaul your life overnight. Small, consistent actions are what truly lead to lasting change. Wellness isn't a destination; it's a lifelong journey that looks different for everyone. Whether you want to feel more energized, sleep better, reduce stress, or just feel more in control, this month is your invitation to get started. 

West Coast Recovery Centers can help you make lasting changes in your life. Call to learn more and tell us what wellness means to you! 

Ready to start making lasting positive changes in your life? Consider these helpful tips just in time for National Wellness Month. Invite your family, friends, and even your coworkers to join your 31-day challenge for added support and excitement! Share ideas, cheer each other on, and hold one another accountable during this month of change. Additionally, don't forget to celebrate your wins, whether it's completing a full week of journaling or simply making it to bed on time. Remember, it's about progress, not perfection, and every step forward is worth celebrating. For more information or to seek additional support from West Coast Recovery Centers, call us at (760) 492-6509 today.