Don’t you just love feeling good? You know those days, you’re super-productive, everything seems to go your way, and it all just flows along effortlessly. When I’m on one of those rolls I know I don’t want it to end. I try to stay balanced and practice excellent self-care so that I can continue that ride of being productive, tranquil, and happy.
So how do we get to, and then maintain, this state of well-being? Everyone seems to have advice; it’s easy to talk the talk but often we fail to follow it up with action. That’s where I come in. I’m Aimee Holdwick; I’m a licensed acupuncturist with a doctorate in acupuncture and Oriental medicine (www.opencirclesd.com). Being an acupuncturist involves a lot more than just using needles; one of my favorite things is to help people feel better by making small, simple changes.
I want to break down the four key areas to well-being for you. When you don’t know where to begin to improve your health, just keep it simple. There is beauty in making small, intentional shifts in that they are sustainable. We are more likely to stick to them, build on them, and therefore, see long-term benefits.
Remember, the key is to keep it simple. Think about one little shift you can make, and then try it out for a while.
Sleep
A good night’s sleep is the foundation for your day. We all need different amounts of sleep, and this can change throughout our lives; a general recommendation is to aim for 6-8 hours a night.
Keep it simple suggestions:
- Regulate your internal clock: go to bed and get up around the same time each day, even on the weekends.
- Keep work out of the bedroom: avoid the laptop and phone while in bed; these amp you up when you should be winding down.
- Create a restful environment: think cozy, dark, quiet, and peaceful.
Nutrition
Where a good night’s sleep is a foundation for your day, what you eat provides the fuel to move through it. Try to eat a variety of healthy foods throughout the day and remember to stay hydrated.
Keep it simple suggestions:
- Generally, opt for more basic, unprocessed foods: an apple over apple pie, a side salad over fries.
- Pay attention to how different foods make you feel, both physically and emotionally. Regularly choose those foods that make you feel good.
- Indulge on occasion; this may seem counterproductive, but occasional indulgence is incredibly satisfying while chronic deprivation can easily result in a desire to binge.
Movement
Our bodies were made to move. When you can, it’s best to fit in 30-60 minutes of exercise each day; this can of course be a challenge. Small doses of movement throughout the day can really add up and make a huge difference in how you feel.
Keep it simple suggestions:
- Park at the far end of the parking lot; after driving, this is a great chance to walk before sitting at a desk.
- Stand up and stretch: every hour or so, stand up and reach your arms up high, try some neck rolls and shoulder shrugs. Stretching is so intuitive, just take it easy, listen to your body and do what feels good.
- Take a little stroll, even just around the block: chat with a friend while you walk, or have a “walking meeting” with a colleague.
Emotions
Our emotions really set the tone for our entire day. It’s easy to become fixated on negative emotions or experiences. Recognize when this happens; resolve the situation if need be, and then to whatever extent you can, let it go. Reinforce positivity throughout the day.
Keep it simple suggestions:
- Seek joy: if fashion’s your thing, wear clothes that you love; if nature inspires you, get outdoors or take a slightly longer scenic route home.
- Extend a thoughtful gesture: hold a door open or give a compliment. You’ll lift your mood and someone else’s.
- Practice being thankful: think of positive experiences from your day: watching a beautiful sunset, accomplishing a small (or big!) task. Write these down each night or just focus on them as you drift off to sleep.
Maintaining wellness is a continual process and requires practice. The key is the practice! It’s impossible to focus on this 100% of the time, and that’s ok. Recognize when you need to kick yourself into gear and make some shifts, but also be gentle with yourself and know that there is great power in the very wanting to make a change.
So here’s my question for you: what are you going to do? Can you come up with one small, simple shift that you can make to feel better? Share your ideas for sustainable health below!
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Dr. Aimee Holdwick is a licensed acupuncturist, board certified both nationally and in California. As a pedestrian involved in an automotive accident while in her twenties, she sustained extensive injuries, from which she spent years recovering. Acupuncture was pivotal in restoring her health. This experience was transformative and inspired her to study acupuncture. She has a private practice in Banker’s Hill and is also a faculty member at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, teaching courses in acupuncture, orthopedics, and neurology. Dr. Holdwick is passionate about using her experience and knowledge to help others in achieving their best potential health and wellness.
