5 Ways to Level Up Your Wellness in 2022

Self-care is arguably more important today than it has ever been. The past two years have been full of many unprecedented events and stressful situations, to say the least. Many people haven’t been fully able to regain their bearings. That’s why it’s time to level up your wellness heading into the new year.

Practicing wellness is so much more than having a glass of wine after a long day at work. There are full-time, life-changing steps you can take that will transform your well-being. Here are five simple ways you can change your wellness trajectory for 2022 to have the best year yet.

1. Indulge Yourself for Better Sleep

You spend roughly a third of your life sleeping, so why not make it the best it can be? Such a significant portion of your life deserves some high-quality treatment. Besides, a good night’s rest is essential for maintaining mental health and productivity over an extended period of time. 

If your slumber has been less than ideal, start by looking at your sleepwear. This may not be an aspect of your sleep routine you’ve considered changing, but it just might do the trick. Slip into some silk pajamas for the first time, and you may find yourself melting into sleep when previously you had struggled.

Other sleep hacks you can try include putting on some white noise, installing blackout shades, or listening to a guided meditation before bed. A healthy sleep routine will have you feeling well-rested and ready to take on each day in 2022. 

2. Perfect Your Posture

Pause for a moment and evaluate your posture. Is your neck craned over your phone, or does your laptop see you as the Hunchback of Notre Dame? You may not notice your poor posture throughout the day. In the long term, however, its effects will really wear on your body and even your mind. 

You may be very health-conscious but still find it difficult to remember to do daily posture checks. Set reminders on your phone to alert you to straighten your back or readjust your neck periodically. This will help you develop better posture habits over time.

Another step you can take is to improve the ergonomics of your home office or company workspace. Look at purchasing a back pillow for your office chair, an ergonomic mouse pad, or even a sit-stand desk. These accessories will enable good posture and optimal wellness.

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

The beginning and end of the year are always tricky when it comes to hydration. Dropping temperatures don’t give you the cue to drink up that summer heat and sunshine provide. Yet making sure to stay hydrated is important no matter the time of year. To kick off 2022 the right way, make sure your healthy drinking habits are up to par.

You might not be feeling too thirsty, but drinking enough water even in the winter is important for body regulation. Adequate hydration will help you fend off illness, recover more quickly if you do catch a bug, and feel more energetic overall.

Start carrying a water bottle with you everywhere you go. Having this bottle at your fingertips will act as a constant reminder to drink, even when it’s below freezing outside. Limiting your caffeine and sugar intake will also help you remain hydrated throughout the day and reap the benefits of hydration. 

4. Get Out More

Many people have fallen into dangerous routines while attempting to evade the COVID-19 pandemic. One of these is staying at home — and thus inside — as much as possible. While social distancing has been essential for curbing the pandemic, some people have taken it a little too far. They simply don’t get out enough.

That’s a problem because logging some outside time is essential for your mental and physical health. Getting out doesn’t mean you have to resume dining in restaurants or booking flights. All you need to do is go for a walk or read a book on your back porch, temperatures permitting. You never have to come into close contact with anyone else if you’re still not comfortable with it.

The wellness principle behind this is simple. Sunlight is oh so good for your body and soul. It will help keep seasonal depression at bay during the winter and provide essential Vitamin D all year round. So dress appropriately and go for a bike ride (if road conditions allow it) or a winter hike. Stretching your legs is also great for your blood circulation and oxygen levels. 

5. Take Time Off

Americans are notorious for taking far fewer vacation days than their counterparts in most other developed nations. We work ourselves to the bone and don’t take time off except for major holidays. While it’s good to be productive, endless work can really grind you down over time.

If you have vacation time piled up, use it in 2022! You might even be able to comfortably travel for the first time in over a year. It will do your mind and body good to get out of the office and take a well-deserved break.

Not that you have to travel when you take time off. Instead, you can sleep in, treat yourself to a spa day, or catch that Netflix series everyone has been raving about. Even the occasional day at home will recharge your batteries and keep you from getting burned out. 

Make 2022 your year by prioritizing your physical and mental health. You’ll see so many elements of your life fall into place as you cultivate healthy habits. These wellness practices will help keep you elevated even during the toughest of times.