Routine, wellness, rituals—we’re no strangers to this here at Hydrant. It’s always important to prioritize your wellbeing and understand what helps you feel the best. We teamed up with our friends at Bright Cellars to share some wellness tips and tricks that can help you this fall, or any time of the year.
So what exactly is wellness?
The word "wellness" has been in the Oxford English Dictionary since the 1650s, meaning the opposite of "illness" [1]. The term didn't gain popularity in the way it is currently used until much more recently, however.
In 1946, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted their constitution [2]. In addition to claiming health as a fundamental human right, they defined it as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
So, wanting wellness and being able to recognize it, is not the same as being able to define wellness and cultivate it. Sometimes, people tend to think of wellness in terms of what it is not which can lead to a misunderstanding that wellness equals a lack of illness, a lack of fatigue, or a lack of excessive stress. But, wellness is so much more than that.
In 1976, physician Bill Hettler developed the six dimensions of wellness [5]. The dimensions built on the concept of wellness as something positive rather than a lack of illness. Later, others added onto Hettler's idea. Now, there are eight commonly recognized dimensions of wellness [6]:
- Physical
- Intellectual
- Emotional
- Social
- Spiritual
- Vocational/Occupational
- Financial
- Environmental
In the Dimensions of Wellness philosophy, physical health is only one of many components of wellness. To be truly well, we must also be intellectually stimulated, emotionally balanced, socially connected, and more.
How Can I Help My Wellness Routine?
It’s always important to define wellness on your terms, as you’re the best person to understand your needs within the dimensions of wellness. Our teams have rounded up some suggestions for wellness tips and tricks. These aren’t strict recommendations, but suggestions to adapt to your own wellness routine. Check them out:
1. Rest Up
Practicing good sleep hygiene is a great habit to build on all year round. But what does “sleep hygiene” mean exactly? Following a stable sleep schedule (all days of the week), keeping your bedroom free of disruptions & distractions (like phone screens), and building in a relaxing pre-bed routine can all help you build healthy sleep habits.[7] Proper rest and sleep can improve focus, productivity, and overall mental wellbeing.[7]
Anchoring these habits to another keystone habit, like brushing your teeth, can help to easily incorporate them into your wellness routine. Some members of our team give themselves a 30-60minute device-free window before bed and unwind with a mug of our Hot Apple Cider while they read in bed. Others use a specific light lamp to slowly darken their room over an hour as they get ready for bed. Try slowly incorporating new sleep hygiene practices into your routine over time and see how you feel.
2. Drink plenty of water (and an occasional Hydrant or two)
The benefits of proper hydration are plentiful: improved mood, clearer skin, more focus, increased athletic performance, and more. Remember to drink water regularly throughout the day, and when you want to give your hydration levels an extra boost, don’t forget to add your favorite Hydrant.
For something that truly lives at the intersection of water and wellness, try our new IMMUNITY mixes. Both our Lemon Ginger and Hot Apple Cider can be dissolved in hot water (perfect for chilly fall mornings) and contain not only the electrolytes needed for hydration but also Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and D, ginger extract, and zinc to help with immune support. It’s a wellness win-win.
3. A glass of red wine, in moderation, can help unwind from the day.
Our friends at Bright Cellars can help you discover wine that you’ll love. Their wine palette quiz helps you match with personalized wines that you can receive monthly, delivered straight to your door. Unwind from the day, pair with a fall-flavored cheese board, or simply enjoy a glass with dinner.
Another added benefit? The antioxidants found in red wine have been shown in some studies to support long-term heart health and improved complexion.[8] More research is needed here, and it’s important to remember to always drink in moderation.
4. Explore mindfulness practices
Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine could be a great addition to your fall wellness plan. Mindfulness practices, like meditation, has been shown to help improve cognitive behavior and separate the self from negative thoughts.[9] Starting your day with affirmations or a short meditation (like those offered from apps like Headspace) can be a great addition to your wellness routine.
5. Practice gratitude
Building in a gratitude practice into your wellness routine can lead to an overall greater sense of wellbeing.[10] You could simply remind yourself each morning what you’re grateful for, or keep a shortlist of 5 things you’re grateful for that day.
6. Restart conversations with old friends
Stay connected, even from afar. Cooler temps and more time indoors can be a great opportunity to restart or pick up a past friendship. Hop on the phone or video chat to catch up, to help stay connected with your friends and support your overall wellness.
Takeaways
Remember to focus on what works best for you. Building long-term wellness plans and healthy habits take time and don’t always happen overnight. Stay well this fall & beyond!
