Creating Your Personal Wellness Toolkit
Practical Steps to Build a Healthier, Happier You
Welcome back to Optimise Me! Happy November 🍂 it seems that this year is really racing towards it’s conclusion. Not only did September not put her bag down, but October might not have even stepped foot into the home at all. In any case, my hope and prayer for you is to finish this year strong. The year isn’t quite done yet, so there’s still time to intentionally work towards your goals, and set yourself up for a cracking start to 2025.
In that vein, your wellness can never be understated. It is through being well and taking serious our minds, bodies and souls that we can make sure our lives are in good order.
In our journey toward holistic wellness, having the right tools at our disposal can make all the difference. Over the years, I have been intentional about building a little box of go-to wellness tools to help with my own maintenance.
A wellness toolkit is a personalised collection of resources—it can be practices, it can be books, apps, disciplines and more—that empower you to prioritise your well-being. Just as you would gather tools for a DIY project, your wellness toolkit provides you with strategies and practices to manage stress, improve mental health, and cultivate physical wellness.
This week, I’m all about helping you build your personal wellness toolkit—a curated collection of resources that will support you on your wellness journey.
Let’s explore how to build this toolkit step by step.
Step 1: Identify Your Wellness Goals
Before gathering resources, take a moment to reflect on your wellness goals.
You might have done this at the beginning of the year and want to recalibrate. Or, perhaps the goals you set out for yourself are still pretty relevant. Either way, here are a few things you might want to ask yourself:
What areas of my life could use a boost?
Take a moment to think about what’s been weighing on you. Is it mental health, like managing stress or boosting mood? Physical fitness, like increasing energy or building strength? Or maybe it’s emotional wellness, like finding more joy or calm in your daily life. Having some general ideas helps you focus your energy on what matters most.What specific challenges am I facing?
Try to be as honest as possible here. For example, are you struggling with work stress, finding time to exercise, or just feeling motivated to keep going? This reflection will help you set goals that feel realistic. You might notice patterns too, like having a hard time winding down at night or finding a work-life balance. By naming these challenges, you’ll be more prepared to address them.What ways of learning and growing actually work for me?
We all have our preferences. Some of us love curling up with a book, others prefer listening to podcasts, and some need that hands-on experience to really understand something. If you can identify how you like to learn or practice wellness, you’ll set yourself up for success. If you’re a reader, maybe a few good wellness books will keep you motivated; if you’re more of a “doer,” trying out an in-person yoga class might feel more rewarding.
Taking a few moments to answer these questions is a powerful way to set up your wellness journey. With clear goals, you’ll be better equipped to choose the tools and routines that’ll actually help you.
Step 2: Curate Your Resources
Now, let’s gather some resources that’ll help you reach those wellness goals. Think of it like building a toolkit that has everything you need for a balanced, sustainable approach to wellness. Here are some ideas for books, apps, and practices that can make a difference.
Books
Books are a fantastic place to start because they can give you insight, guidance, and even a little encouragement along the way. Here are a few recommendations based on different wellness areas:
Self-Help & Personal Growth:
Books like The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown can help you explore self-acceptance, while Atomic Habits by James Clear offers practical advice for building habits that stick. Pick one that resonates with you and give it a try.Mindfulness & Meditation:
If stress is something you’re working on, consider The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s a simple, beautiful guide to being present in your everyday life. Even a few minutes of mindfulness each day can have a surprisingly big impact.Nutrition & Fitness:
Curious about eating better or just feeling more energised? Dr. Michael Greger’s How Not to Die goes deep into the benefits of plant-based nutrition, while still offering practical tips anyone can follow. For fitness, Spark by John Ratey explores how exercise boosts not only your body but also your mind.
Apps
Sometimes we need a little tech support to stay on track, and wellness apps are perfect for that! Here are a few that might make a difference:
Meditation & Mindfulness:
Apps like Headspace and Calm are great for beginners and long-time meditators alike. They offer guided meditation sessions for everything from relaxation to focus, making it easy to squeeze in a moment of calm wherever you are.Fitness Tracking:
If you’re looking to set and stick to fitness goals, MyFitnessPal (personal fave here) and Fitbit can help you keep track of your workouts, meals, and progress. The tracking feature is motivating because it lets you see the small wins along the way.Journaling & Reflection:
Apps like Day One give you a place to write about your day, note down what you’re grateful for, or just jot down your thoughts. Reflecting like this can bring so much clarity, and you don’t need to spend hours on it—just a few minutes each day is enough!Your Guide to Wellness: How to Build a Balanced, Personal Path to Feeling Your Best
Hey there! Let’s talk about wellness—not in the "New Year’s resolution" kind of way, but in a real, practical way that helps you feel good every day. Whether you’re aiming to lower stress, boost your fitness, or just find a bit more balance, the journey to wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. We’re going to break it down into a few easy steps, so you can approach wellness in a way that feels natural and totally doable for you.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Wellness Goals
First things first—let’s figure out what you’re really hoping to achieve on your wellness journey. Don’t worry; you don’t need to have all the answers! Just start by asking yourself a few questions to get a clearer picture of where you’d like to improve:
What areas of my life could use a boost?
Take a moment to think about what’s been weighing on you. Is it mental health, like managing stress or boosting mood? Physical fitness, like increasing energy or building strength? Or maybe it’s emotional wellness, like finding more joy or calm in your daily life. Having some general ideas helps you focus your energy on what matters most.What specific challenges am I facing?
Try to be as honest as possible here. For example, are you struggling with work stress, finding time to exercise, or just feeling motivated to keep going? This reflection will help you set goals that feel realistic. You might notice patterns too, like having a hard time winding down at night or finding a work-life balance. By naming these challenges, you’ll be more prepared to address them.What ways of learning and growing actually work for me?
We all have our preferences. Some of us love curling up with a book, others prefer listening to podcasts, and some need that hands-on experience to really understand something. If you can identify how you like to learn or practice wellness, you’ll set yourself up for success. If you’re a reader, maybe a few good wellness books will keep you motivated; if you’re more of a “doer,” trying out an in-person yoga class might feel more rewarding.
Taking a few moments to answer these questions is a powerful way to set up your wellness journey. With clear goals, you’ll be better equipped to choose the tools and routines that’ll actually help you.
Step 2: Curate Your Wellness Toolkit
Now, let’s gather some resources that’ll help you reach those wellness goals. Think of it like building a toolkit that has everything you need for a balanced, sustainable approach to wellness. Here are some ideas for books, apps, and practices that can make a difference.
Books
Books are a fantastic place to start because they can give you insight, guidance, and even a little encouragement along the way. Here are a few recommendations based on different wellness areas:
Self-Help & Personal Growth:
Books like The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown can help you explore self-acceptance, while Atomic Habits by James Clear offers practical advice for building habits that stick. Pick one that resonates with you and give it a try.Mindfulness & Meditation:
If stress is something you’re working on, consider The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s a simple, beautiful guide to being present in your everyday life. Even a few minutes of mindfulness each day can have a surprisingly big impact.Nutrition & Fitness:
Curious about eating better or just feeling more energized? Dr. Michael Greger’s How Not to Die goes deep into the benefits of plant-based nutrition, while still offering practical tips anyone can follow. For fitness, Spark by John Ratey explores how exercise boosts not only your body but also your mind.
Apps
Sometimes we need a little tech support to stay on track, and wellness apps are perfect for that! Here are a few that might make a difference:
Meditation & Mindfulness:
Apps like Headspace and Calm are great for beginners and long-time meditators alike. They offer guided meditation sessions for everything from relaxation to focus, making it easy to squeeze in a moment of calm wherever you are.Fitness Tracking:
If you’re looking to set and stick to fitness goals, MyFitnessPal and Fitbit can help you keep track of your workouts, meals, and progress. The tracking feature is motivating because it lets you see the small wins along the way.Journaling & Reflection:
Apps like Day One give you a place to write about your day, note down what you’re grateful for, or just jot down your thoughts. Reflecting like this can bring so much clarity, and you don’t need to spend hours on it—just a few minutes each day is enough!
Practices
Daily practices are where wellness really comes to life. These little routines and habits help you feel grounded, happy, and healthy. Here are a few you might like to try:
Morning Routine:
Starting your day with intention sets a positive tone. Whether it’s a short meditation, a few stretches, or even jotting down three things you’re excited about, a morning routine helps create a sense of calm and purpose.Gratitude Practice:
Try ending your day by noting down three things you’re grateful for. It can be big or small—anything that brought you joy. This simple habit helps shift your mindset toward positivity and can actually make you feel happier over time.Digital Detox:
Take a break from screens by scheduling a “no-tech” hour. Use this time to read, take a walk, or do something creative. You’ll be amazed at how refreshing it feels to disconnect, even just a little bit!
Step 3: Reflect and Adjust Along the Way
Now that you have some tools and routines, remember that wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Over time, your needs and goals might change, so take time to review and reflect. Here are a few questions that can help you evaluate how things are going:
Which resources or routines are really helping me?
Notice which practices bring the most joy, calm, or energy into your life. If certain routines don’t feel right, it’s okay to adjust or swap them out. Wellness should feel good, not forced.Are there any areas where I could use more support?
Sometimes, we need an extra boost, whether it’s a new resource, a friend to check in with, or even a class. If you’re struggling in a certain area, don’t hesitate to look for more resources to support you.How can I keep evolving my wellness toolkit?
As you go along, try to refresh your toolkit every few months. Maybe you’re ready for a new book, a different meditation practice, or a new fitness goal. Keeping things fresh can be motivating and keeps you from getting stuck in a routine that no longer serves you.
Creating your personal wellness toolkit is a powerful step toward prioritising your well-being. By curating resources that resonate with you, you’ll be better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and foster a balanced, fulfilling life.
I hope this inspires you to build your own wellness toolkit. Wellness is a journey, not a destination. Take your time, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process. With a little self-reflection, a few great resources, and regular reflection, you’ll be well on your way to feeling your best in a way that feels right for you.
Here’s to your wellness journey—remember, you’ve got this! 🌿
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💥 My Fave Bits and Bobs This Week:
“Health is a state of body. Wellness is a state of being.”
J. Stanford