Americans are always looking for new health and wellness ideas. Incorporating exercise and good nutrition habits into your day is never a bad idea. So what can you do for wellness at work, at home, and any other place the new year takes you?
Come see what we’re all about at our Leavenworth winery or Lawrence vineyard! At Z&M, we believe true wellness means caring for the whole person–mind, body, and spirit.
Now, before we go any further with our self-improvement suggestions, we just need to issue a quick disclaimer.
Neither Bryan, nor Gina, nor any of our employees, are actual doctors.
Of course, there are rumors Bryan once helped deliver a baby goat in Afghanistan. However, out of his innate modesty–and respect for the family’s privacy–he refuses to confirm or deny. Please, do not ask Bryan to assist at your next livestock labor and delivery.
With all of that out of the way, let’s get started with tips for a better, healthier you!
What Can You Do for Wellness?
First, let’s look at the definition of wellness. According to Oxford Languages, it’s the “state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.”
If that sounds like something you’re interested in, then you’ve come to the right place! Especially as a wine-lover, you’re in a unique position to really start making some headway in your self-improvement program. We’ll explain more about that later on.
According to SUNY Geneseo, this kind of self-care includes many categories: social, occupational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, financial, and environmental. We’ll share some of the university’s recommendations here.
PHYSICAL
This is the category most of us probably associate most with health and wellness. You’re probably picturing long hours of sweating on a bike or treadmill. If that’s not your thing, fortunately, this is an area where you can get creative.
With dedication, you will find you have more strength, stamina, and energy for the tasks of day-to-day life!
- Warm up and stretch before you participate in physical activity. This is an effective way to improve the quality of your workout and prevent injury.
- Commit to a goal of a certain amount of steps per day and work up to it!
- Incentivize staying hydrated with homemade spa water–infuse plain tap water with herbs, vegetables, and fruit to improve the flavor.
SPIRITUAL
Improving your spiritual health and wellness can sound daunting. To get started, think of it simply as a way of intentionally aligning your actions with your values. People often find their quality of life benefits when they look outward to the needs of the world around them.
- Unplug from your devices. Enjoy the silence and take the opportunity to connect with yourself and the people in your life.
- Practice gratitude with simple acts of kindness and recognizing the contributions of others.
- Volunteer in your community. Look for opportunities in your town or neighborhood to help those in need. If you can’t add another thing to your plate, find causes that matter to you and donate to them!
INTELLECTUAL
When caring for your wellbeing, don’t forget your most important organ: your brain. Mental sharpness is just as important to staying whole and fit as crunches and pushups.
- Get a crossword or Sudoku book and spend your free time flexing those mind muscles.
- Find an educational podcast or college lecture series on YouTube, and learn about something that’s always made you curious!
FINANCIAL
Stress-management can have a huge impact on health and wellness. And we probably don’t have to tell you, money can have a huge impact on stress. Here are some ideas to prioritize financial wellness.
- Visit some financial literacy websites and learn about budgeting, saving, and more.
- Look back over the past two weeks of receipts. Look for any bad spending habits you could afford to drop!
SOCIAL
Human connection is crucial to your overall wellbeing. Make an effort to reach out to raise your spirits.
- Work on active listening skills with friends and family.
- Venmo a faraway friend so you can buy them a socially-distanced coffee!
OCCUPATIONAL
This category of health and wellness refers to work-life balance. Get intentional about keeping work and free time separate by making them more rewarding!
- Deliberately schedule time for your hobbies. Don’t have any? It’s time to start cultivating some!
- Reach out to someone for a career chat–either in your field or in a field you’re interested in. Ask them for advice and make a commitment to keep in touch as part of each other’s professional networks!
ENVIRONMENTAL
A healthy planet and community are essential to a healthy person. Think about some ways you can improve the environment, both locally and globally!
- Shop local produce (Z&M does!)
- Save gas money and keep harmful emissions down. Park the car when possible and walk or bike!
Health and Wellness for Wine Lovers
You may have heard or read about the health benefits of wine–red wine in particular. So, what’s the verdict? Is it okay to drink wine every day?
Red wine contains something called resveratrol, which research indicates may protect blood vessels from damage. This substance may also keep cholesterol low, as well as stave off blood clots.
Now, the research isn’t conclusive, and you may be able to get the same benefits from simply eating grapes. However, if you’re already a health-conscious wine-drinker, enjoy a 5 oz glass of red wine in moderation.
Of course, the Mayo Clinic cautions abstinence if you’re pregnant, have health complications, or a family history of alcoholism.
Get Active at Our Twisted Vineyard
Even if you aren’t a glass-of-red-wine devotee, you can still mix wine and wellbeing. Make 2021 a healthy year at our Lawrence vineyard with a lakeside stroll, an outdoor fitness class, and volleyball.
Or, improve that social wellness with a picnic and a glass of Twisted Wine.
We’re always hosting events at our Leavenworth and Lawrence locations. Keep track of us on social media and our website, or subscribe to our email list. You’ll be one of the first to know about all the Twisted fun!