Wheeling Into the New Year

Many of us use the beginning of a new year as a time to refocus, set new intentions and establish goals. The Wheel of Health used here at Duke Health & Well-Being is a great tool to contemplate the big picture and the many factors contributing to our well-being. It helps you understand the factors that influence your health and can help you make positive changes for your future. Assess Yourself Here.

Here are some self-care reminders and suggestions to get you jump-started into the New Year.

Physical Movement and Rest:

When you keep your body active, you can prevent and treat many physical and mental health problems. Getting good sleep and rest leaves you feeling balanced and restored. It also provides you more energy to do all the things you want to do.

• Make a plan to get on track with physical activity-just 5 minutes is a great place to start.
• Select a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as a warm bath, calming music, or guided meditation.

Nutrition & Lifestyle:

Pay attention to what you eat and drink to nourish and strengthen your body and mind. A healthy diet can improve your well-being throughout your life. Choosing a healthier diet does not mean avoiding all the foods you love. After all, quality of life is an important part of being healthy.

• Consider planting a vegetable or herb garden or exploring your local farmers market this spring.
• Explore new flavors by incorporating herbs and spices into your cooking.

Physical Environment:

Your work and home surroundings can affect your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Addressing any concerns about toxins, safety, noise, and clutter in your environment can also improve your health. Every aspect of our physical space can influence our health, for better or worse.

• Take advantage of the seasonal change to keep up with home projects.
• Ask yourself what changes you could make so that each room in your home is a more nurturing, healthy environment for you. Experiment with colors, materials, scents, music, or the overall design of different rooms so that these spaces satisfy your senses.

Mind-Body Connection:

You nourish every aspect of who you are by strengthening the connection between the mind and body. Our thought patterns and emotions impact nearly every illness we can get—from arthritis to headaches, from the common cold to cancer. This means that your mind, brain, and body are all communicating with each other. Use this season of renewal to encourage positive thinking and bring joy and good health into your life.

Bring more gratitude into your life every day. When you wake up in the morning, list five things for which you are grateful. Then, before you go to bed, mentally say thank you to five people.

Cultivate mindful awareness and practice being present for the richness of each moment of your life. Sign-up for a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction class in-person or online through Duke Health & Well-Being Programs.

Personal and Professional Development:

Take a deeper look at your work–life balance, financial goals, and areas of personal growth. Personal and professional development refers to what gives you overall meaning and purpose in life. Whatever and wherever you are engaged in activities that give you a sense of fulfillment, you have many opportunities to enhance your health and the joy in your life.

Take a few minutes for yourself and consider the following.

• If money and time were no object, what would you love to do that would bring you a profound sense of satisfaction, joy, and purpose?
• If you continue with your current balance of professional and personal development, including time and energy spent on each, what will your life be like five years from now? What will it be like 10 years from now?

Duke Health & Well-Being Programs is a great professional and personal development source. Build your own professional toolbox, explore the Wheel of Health further, and learn how to help others achieve their optimal health vision with the Duke Health & Well-Being Coach Training currently registering.

Assess Your Well-Being