My Raimon News - ISSUE#02

How to Cultivate Wellbeing in Daily Life

We’re already well into 2021. However, while 2020 has ended, the stress and struggling continues with the extension of global health issues, politics and the economic crunch. As you might be aware, these adversities could be with us for a while. To get through this long, challenging tunnel of stress, I have a few tips on cultivating wellbeing in daily life to optimise your ability to live well in these challenging times.

Eat Well
Nourishing yourself with healthy food and enough clean water is the first easy step to getting into good health and wellbeing. Besides fuelling energy, healthy and nutritious food also counts as a natural medicine to prevent and combat illness. It sustains vitality and strength, improves concentration and reduces stress. A balanced, plant-focused meal is a wonderful choice. Try to choose the fresh, seasonal organic and local produce if possible, as it is the healthiest option, and it also has a side benefit of reducing the carbon footprint of the food, farming and logistics industry.

Also, many studies say that drinking plenty of water helps to maximise physical performance and brain functions, as well as stimulate your metabolism and assist in weight loss.

Rest Well
Rest and recreation are essential elements of our wellbeing. Having 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep recharges our batteries of life and supports our minds and bodies. Ensure that you have a good quality sleep by avoiding eating at least two hours before bedtime, put your phone or other electronic devices in a separate room, set the dimmed mood-lighting, then unwind your mind and float off to dreamland. If you can’t sleep, try practising breathing meditation, listening to relaxing music, or writing down the things that are making you worried - writing down is an act of self-reflection that might unlock your worries. Keep a regular sleep routine – aim to lay down and rise at the same time every day. Ideally, try to be in bed before midnight and up early in the morning to let your mind and body become fully restored.

Scheduling time for hobbies, exercise or mindfulness is also necessary for your health and wellbeing. Recreational activities can help to balance your work and personal life, as well as giving you the opportunity to check-in with yourself in regard to how you’re feeling. Mindfulness exercises such as Yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi also builds-up your physical strength and boost your mind to a good mood level.

Choose the Sunny Side
Everything has a dark side and a bright side; like yin and yang, black and white, or day and night, these contrasting elements enclose together like two sides of a coin. ‘Luck’ or ‘Misfortune’ – it’s how you choose to see it. In times of crisis, a clear mind and consciousness are the essential tools to help you assess the situation and see the bright side of it. Be positive, be hopeful, stay strong and resilient, and you might find a fantastic opportunity in a challenging event. As the singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen once said, “There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”