5 Simple Ways to Add Wellness Into Your Day


5 Simple Ways to Add Wellness Into Your Day

“Start a wellness routine” sounds nice in theory, but it often comes with a long list of unrealistic changes. A new workout plan, a fridge full of perfectly prepped meals, meditation sessions, and a full eight hours of sleep…every night. For most people, trying to overhaul everything at once leads to burnout, frustration, or just giving up.

So instead of chasing a perfect wellness plan, let’s focus on small, consistent actions that are actually doable. These don’t require a gym membership, an app subscription, or a huge time commitment. Just small, steady shifts that you can do today.

Here are five simple ways to add wellness into your daily routine:


1. Movement Breaks

What This Means:

Taking short breaks throughout the day to move your body without committing to a full workout.

How to Implement It:

Stand up and stretch. Walk a few laps around your home or office. Do a set of squats, shoulder rolls, or walk while on a phone call.

How Often:

Every hour or two, especially if you’re sitting most of the day.

How Long:

2 to 5 minutes is enough to get the benefit.

Benefits:

  • Short-term: Improves focus, reduces stiffness, and gives your brain a quick reset.

  • Long-term: Supports joint health, circulation, and energy levels.

Getting Started:

Set a timer on your phone or calendar as a reminder. Link it to something you already do, such as after finishing a meeting or an email.

How to Keep It Going:

Choose a few favorite moves that are easy to do anywhere. Don’t overthink it. Movement is movement.


2. Hydration

What This Means:

Drinking enough fluids throughout the day to support energy, digestion, and focus.

How to Implement It:

Keep a water bottle nearby. Start your day with a glass of water. Alternate water with coffee or tea.

How Often:

Aim to sip regularly throughout the day, especially between meals.

How Long:

Hydration is ongoing, not a one-time thing. Spread it out instead of chugging at once.

Benefits:

  • Short-term: Better energy, fewer headaches, and more alertness.

  • Long-term: Supports metabolism, kidney function, and digestion.

Getting Started:

Use a bottle with measurement markers or track with a sticky note. Set a goal like “refill twice today.”

How to Keep It Going:

Add fruit or herbs to change it up. Make it visible and easy to access. Hydration doesn’t have to be plain or boring.


3. Mindful Eating

What This Means:

Being present when you eat. Paying attention to the food, not multitasking.

How to Implement It:

Put the phone down. Turn off the TV. Focus on the taste, smell, and texture of the food.

How Often:

Start with one meal or snack a day.

How Long:

10 to 20 minutes is enough for most meals.

Benefits:

  • Short-term: Increased satisfaction, better digestion, and feeling full sooner.

  • Long-term: Helps with portion control and creates a healthier relationship with food.

Getting Started:

Pick one meal or snack to eat without distractions. Focus on chewing and actually tasting the food.

How to Keep It Going:

Start small. Build from there. You don’t need to be perfect. Just be aware.


4. Unplugging

What This Means:

Taking intentional breaks from screens and devices.

How to Implement It:

No phone during meals. Turn off notifications for a while. No scrolling first thing in the morning or right before bed.

How Often:

Once or twice a day to start.

How Long:

Start with 15 to 30 minutes of screen-free time.

Benefits:

  • Short-term: Reduced stress and mental clutter.

  • Long-term: Better sleep, more focus, and improved mood.

Getting Started:

Pick one time of day to unplug. Maybe while eating lunch or the last 30 minutes before bed.

How to Keep It Going:

Create a routine that doesn’t involve your phone. Replace screen time with music, reading, or just sitting still for a few minutes.


5.  Add Color to Your Meals

What This Means:

Adding fruits and vegetables of different colors to your meals and snacks.

How to Implement It:

Toss spinach into scrambled eggs. Add berries to yogurt. Throw some bell peppers into a sandwich or wrap.

How Often:

Aim to include some color at most meals.

How Long:

This takes less than five minutes and doesn’t require a full recipe.

Benefits:

  • Short-term: More nutrients and fiber to keep you full and energized.

  • Long-term: Supports immune health, heart health, and digestion.

Getting Started:

Buy pre-washed or frozen fruits and vegetables. Keep them where you’ll see them.

How to Keep It Going:

Mix it up each week. Don’t worry about perfection—just aim for a little more color most days.


Final Thoughts

Wellness doesn’t have to be some massive project. You don’t need to “get your life together” all at once. These small, low-effort actions can have a real impact when done consistently.

Pick one to start. Keep it simple. Let it become part of your day, not another thing on your to-do list.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN, is a dedicated Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in New Mexico, USA. As the owner of Real World Nutrition, her private practice, she's passionate about guiding individuals toward eating and living healthier in the real world. Beyond one-on-one consultations, Shelley is a multifaceted professional. She's a podcaster, author, speaker, and consultant known for her commitment to dispelling nutrition myths and providing evidence-based information. Her mission is to empower people to achieve improved health, wellness, and energy without resorting to restrictive diets or misinformation.

https://www.shelleyrael.com/
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