Three Ways To Jumpstart Your Wellness Routine

This post is written in partnership with Canvas Credit Union. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Before settling into the rhythms of the new year, let’s take a moment to pause. Inevitably, there’s less hustle this holiday season. Depending on the way you look at it, it’s a 2020 silver lining. The slow down is creating an opportune moment to reflect. Be it on a wintry walk or cozied up on the couch, now is the time to acknowledge where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Despite increased rates of loneliness, our collective experience has brought us closer to the important things in life. It’s been a year of turning inward — of becoming stewards and advocates for our health. And in the process of turning inward, we’ve created space for transformation. The way we take care of ourselves is evolving. Against all odds, these tumultuous times have encouraged us to pay attention to our well-being.

Action Steps

That said, with 2021 around the corner, there’s no better time to up-level your current wellness routine. In an approachable, realistic way, here are three steps to get started:

1. Set a declaration. What is your ‘why’ behind the desire to be more well — socially, physically, mentally, and financially? Your declaration statement might look something like this:

“I am committed to nurturing my relationship with myself, my friends, and my finances in 2021. These relationships are important to me because they support my overall well-being.

In creating this statement, everything you do will be in support or opposition to your ‘why.’ Your declaration will become the driving force behind your actions. In other words, your wellness declaration will inspire your daily habits.

2. Choose one, new healthy habit and dedicate 21 days to it. For example, maybe you’re committing to your financial health this year, and every day, for 21 days, you’re going to write down every purchase you make. After 21 days, you may realize that some of those purchases were unneeded. Thus, you’ll be inspired to save more money.

3. Encourage a family member or friend to join you. After all, accountability is where the magic happens. Plus, this is how the ripple effect begins. The point is not to establish the same new habit, but to check-in with each other — often. The more you talk about it, the more your commitment to your specific wellness goal will strengthen.

By following these three steps, you’ll be on your way to kickstarting your wellness routine. And remember, celebrate small wins along the way. Every day actions lead to progress. Envision where you want to be, stay consistent, and you’ll accomplish your social, health, and financial goals.

To read the full article, hop over to my feature on Canvas Credit Union’s blog.