Isn’t it nice when you can let your hair down and just be yourself? When you can share your personal passion, struggles, or vision for the future, and have someone to turn to with questions, someone who actually “gets” you on a deeper level?
That’s what a wellness tribe is all about!
A wellness tribe is a group of people who share a common interest in wellness, who get together to exchange ideas and provide mutual support, and who gain inspiration from collective empowerment.
The concept of tribes is ingrained in human history, and was used to refer to groups of people who shared land and followed certain ways of life for many generations. But in modern times, we can choose our tribes as a form of non-dietary social nourishment.
If you’ve ever felt alone in your efforts to change your diet or lifestyle, or transition your career in a more positive direction then a wellness tribe is definitely for you. It can help you feel more connected, inspired, and motivated to maintain your wellness habits and experiment with new ones. Besides, it’s fun to discuss creative new yoga trends and the most affordable superfoods with others who will get as excited about it as you do!
So what can you do to create a wellness tribe if you don’t have one?
1. Attend a meetup.
Meetup.com is a great resource for local gatherings centered around nearly any topic you can imagine, including wellness or even specific areas of wellness, such as nutrition, fitness, mental health, certain conditions, energy healing, you name it! See what you can find in your area and attend a few meetups to connect with wellness-loving people in your area.
2. Organize a gathering.
If you have a few friends or acquaintances who are also interested in wellness, schedule a get-together at your place, or meet for lunch at a healthy café once a month. You can share your latest personal wellness practices, favorite recipes, books, challenges, or tips. Keep it regular so you stay connected, and use social media to share virtually between gatherings.
3. Become a regular at a local wellness hub.
Whether it’s a yoga studio, a café, or a meditation center, chances are that there’s someplace in your area where wellness-loving people are already coming together, so go there and check it out! A real tribe is one you come in contact with regularly, so once you find a place you like make it a part of your schedule to attend. You’re likely to meet new people and keep the connection alive even outside that particular hub.
Wellness tribes that connect in person will have a stronger bond, but digital tribes can be great too! Find a virtual wellness program that has a “community” element so you can interact with others regularly, or find forums or Facebook groups focused on topics that interest you.
Consistency is key when it comes to tribes. You won’t get the deeper feeling of connection if you jump around from one group to another, so find one you like and stick with it or start your own!
Do you have a wellness tribe you’re a part of? Share in the comments below!
Why Gratitude is the Secret Sauce to Health
It’s never a bad time to pause and feel gratitude for everything you have in your life.
Gratitude is the foundation of health, because when you appreciate the simple things – like the breeze on your face or the fact that you’re simply alive – it’s much easier to make positive changes toward even better health.
When you’re stressed about your imperfect health and beating yourself up about not being good enough, you send your body into a stressed state, causing you to release the hormone cortisol.
This makes you feel anxious and irritable, and it’s much more likely that you’ll order a large fries and chocolate milkshake instead of a nice, hearty, vegetable-centric dish.
When you’re feeling relaxed and grateful for how far you’ve come on your health journey, you’re much more likely to make good choices.
So, what makes you feel grateful?
Answering this simple question can shift your mood in seconds. Feeling thankful for what you already have creates a positive ripple effect in your life, making it way less likely you’ll dwell on perceived shortcomings.
It’s easy to take for granted a happy marriage, nurturing friendships, good health, or even the roof over your head, but these aspects of life sustain you every day.
Taking a moment to acknowledge and appreciate what’s good in your life does wonders for your well-being.
In fact, studies have shown that a regular gratitude practice can improve your happiness by as much as 25 percent, and keeping a gratitude journal for as little as three weeks can result in better sleep and more energy. Happiness leads to healthiness, since the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin support all bodily functions, including digestion.
You can start your own gratitude practice with something as simple as saying an affirmation each day.
Try this simple one: I’m grateful for my health and the health of my loved ones.
What will you do to express your gratitude? If you already have a practice, what’s your favorite way to say “thank you”?
Leave a comment below and tell me.
6 Ways to Lift Your Mood in Minutes
When you’re in a bad mood, what’s the one thing that snaps you out of it no matter what? What makes you feel amazing on a not-so-great day?
One of the key things I learned while studying at Integrative Nutrition is how to fuel myself and refresh my outlook through primary food – the relationships, work, exercise, and spiritual practices that fill me up in ways food can’t.
Today, I want to share my favorite ways to turn a negative mood into a positive mood and instantly feel reenergized and inspired.
Work out.
Physical movement is high on my list. When I’m feeling a little down, I love to hit the gym, do some kickboxing, crank up the tunes and dance in my living room, shake it out in a high-energy Zumba class, or zen out with yoga or tai chi.
Take it outside.
Going for a long walk in my neighborhood or taking the dog for a stroll are some of my favorite ways to breathe in fresh air and connect with nature.
Have more fun.
Fun and laughter are great medicine for low moods. Laughing with a friend, watching a funny movie or show, flying a kite, and singing are ways I cheer myself up.
Connect spiritually.
I reconnect and recharge through prayer, meditation, journaling, writing a gratitude list, breathing deeply, and reminding myself that difficult moments will pass.
Connect with loved ones.
Surrounding myself with family, talking to a good friend, getting a hug, or even connecting with like-minded people on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets make me feel more connected and less alone.
Get nourishment with energizing food.
A warm cup of tea, healthy meal, energizing juice, or some raw chocolate can lift my mood in minutes.
Now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite way to improve your mood and reenergize yourself? Tell me in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you!
