2025!!! Wow, yes we have just entered a new year. Seeing that it is a new year and every conversation will be centered around the topic of new beginnings and resolutions, I find it pertinent to remind us, that we are doing our best, so let’s be gentle and kind to ourselves and welcome more humour in our lives. I trust you will enjoy my first blog of 2025. Wishing you a year filled with new and exciting adventures and blessings.
Haven’t we all been there? You wake up with the best intentions. You’re going to meditate, do yoga, drink a green smoothie, and finally clean out that cupboard. By 10 a.m., you’ve found yourself scrolling through Facebook (or “just one more episode” of whatever’s trending), your coffee is cold, and you’ve managed to only accomplish half of your to-do list (and that’s being generous). But hey, it’s a start, right?
Let’s talk about wellness—specifically, the kind that doesn’t require you to become a perfectly polished Instagram influencer with a 5 a.m. morning routine involving lemon water, cold plunges, and shouting “I am the ocean” (are we sure anyone feels like an ocean before 8 a.m.?).
Step 1: Breathe—But Not Too Much
We all know breathing is important. It’s essential for life, after all. But let’s be honest: there’s a fine line between “deep breathing” and sounding like you’re trying to pass out in the middle of a yoga class. So, let’s keep it simple. Start with taking three deep breaths a day—no need to channel your inner yogi unless you’re feeling especially zen.
Step 2: Move Your Body… Or Don’t
Haven’t we all heard: “Exercise is key to wellness!” Yes, it is. But here’s a little secret: moving your body doesn’t mean you have to wake up at 5 a.m. and do a full-on Comrades Marathon or any marathon that is (unless you have secretly been preparing for one). Sure, a good jog on the beach or around the block would be great, but let’s be real—sometimes a solid walk to the kitchen for a lekker boerie roll is all you need. Baby steps, right?
Step 3: Feed Yourself Like You’re a Grown-Up
Let’s aim for a bit of balance here. We’re talking about finding that sweet spot between taking a bite of a salad (yes, a real one with actual lettuce) and indulging in a glorious biltong or meaty snack. Your body will thank you. Water is also essential, so aim to drink some—a pint of Beer doesn’t count. Your water bottle is there for a reason, so don’t just use it as a stylish accessory to your desk setup. But let’s not make it a big deal either.
Step 4: Sleep, Sweet Sleep
If wellness had a mascot, it would be sleep. But not the “I’m going to stay up until 3 a.m. watching the latest TikTok drama kind of sleep. No, we’re talking about a solid 7-8 hours where your body actually shuts down and recharges. If you need a nap, go ahead. And if that nap turns into a full-blown “sleep till the cows come home” on the weekend? More power to you. Just try not to make it a regular thing unless you’re planning to become a professional sleeper. (It’s not a thing, but let’s pretend for a second.)
Step 5: Let Go of Perfection (It’s Overrated Anyway)
Here’s the thing: You’re not going to nail it every day. Some days, you’ll be the picture of self-care, and other days, your idea of wellness will be surviving on braai or barbecue leftovers. And that’s okay! Wellness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress, however small. If you eat a salad today and a vetkoek or cake tomorrow, congrats! You’ve found balance. Wellness is a journey, not a destination. So, don’t stress if you trip up. Just get back up, dust off the crumbs from your koeksisters or biscuits, and keep going.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Wellness isn’t about squeezing into size 0 jeans, drinking a smoothie that tastes like the grass in your backyard, or holding a perfect plank for 10 minutes. It’s about you. It’s about finding the balance between caring for your body and mind, while also laughing at how ridiculous it all can get. Remember, sometimes the best form of self-care is allowing yourself a break from trying to be “perfect” and just doing what makes you feel good—even if that means taking a nap in your favourite trackies/ sweatpants.
So go ahead—stretch your legs, breathe deeply (but not too deeply), drink some water (or only one cup of coffee—no judgement here), and remind yourself that self-care doesn’t have to be a whole mission. Sometimes, it’s just about taking a moment to relax and enjoy the fact that you’re doing the best you can, one step at a time.
And if you need to start tomorrow? No worries. Just make sure your trackies are ready.
Conclusion:
Wellness doesn’t need to be a full-on, 6-step, 20-minute process that makes you more stressed than when you started. Start small, laugh a lot, and remember—taking care of yourself is the best way to be there for others. Whether you’re doing it with a green smoothie or a pap en vleis plate, it’s all about balance.
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